Hi nstevens,
I'm sorry your insurance won't cover for a helmet. I began to have sz. at the age of 10 and I started having absence (petit mal) sz. where I would just stare and have a daydream look on my face. I had so many that it caused me to begin to have complex partial sz. also by the age of 12. When this happens I will get a nervous feeling in my stomach and see colors flashing back and forth in my eyes then I blank out. When I come out of each sz. I'm confused for a few seconds trying to remember what I was doing and I used to feel very tired but I had brain surgery twice to help reduce the sz. and now I don't get tired after a sz. and my sz. aren't as bad. To find the right meds (AED's) for you son you might want to have the Dr. do a DNA blood test on your son by doing this his Dr. will be able to find the best AED's with the least side effects for him. I had this test done to find I was drug resistant. I've been on at least 12 or more different AED's but not a single one has stopped my sz. only reduced them. I then started taking vitamin B12 and found it was the best thing I could have done. If you live in the U.S. you can call the Epilepsy Foundation to get info. for free at 1-800-332-1000 They have been a big help to me and sent me info. about sz. and AED's (seizure meds) . Also ask your son if he ever feels dizzy every now and then this can sometimes happen before a sz. Stress and lack of sleep are the 2 main things that can trigger sz. for many people. Since you are keeping a journal of your sons sz. you may see a pattern as to what time of day/night he will have more sz. or what days of the month. A lot of that can be hormone related. The main things that can cause epilepsy are the following: family genes
a bad scare
drug or alcohol abuse
a bad blow to the head
difficulty at birth or before birth
trauma
bright flashing lights
scar on the brain

Here's wishing you and your family the best of luck. May God Bless All of You!

Sue