Epilepsy Created By: Whitney Copeland

What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological condition, which affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder. It is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures that were not caused by some known medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.

What is a Seizure? A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that usually affects how a person feels or acts for a short time. Seizures are not a disease in themselves. Instead, they are a symptom of many different disorders that can affect the brain. Some seizures can hardly be noticed, while others are totally disabling.

What does a seizure look like? A convulsive or tonic-clonic seizure starts when someone loses consciousness, stiffens unexpectedly, falls to the ground and starts jerking. How to help: Stay calm, time the seizure, remove any hard objects from the area, place something soft under the head, loosen any tight clothing, do not restrain the person's movements, do not force anything into the mouth, roll the person onto their side to allow excess saliva to drain from the mouth, and allow the person to rest until they have fully recovered.

Example of a convulsive seizure 9Xo&NR=1&feature=endscreen 9Xo&NR=1&feature=endscreen

What does a seizure look like? In complex partial seizures the person may appear unresponsive and confused. Automatic movements such as smacking of the lips, wandering, or fumbling movements of the hand may be present. He or she may display inappropriate behavior that may be mistaken for alcohol or drug intoxication. How to help: Stay with the person, talk calmly and in a reassuring manner to the person, protect the person from harm, do not restrain the person, help reorientate after the seizure has finished.

Example of Complex Partial Seizure vc vc

What does a seizure look like? In absence seizures the person loses awareness for a brief period. The person stares vacantly, the eyes may drift upwards and flicker. It may be mistaken for daydreaming. How to help: Reassure the person and repeat any information that they may have missed.

Example of an Absense Seizure YUqpc YUqpc

What triggers seizures? Missed medication Lack of sleep Infections and illness Diet (missing meals, taking a lot of caffeine) Alcohol Drugs Stress For women - hormonal changes (for example, related to menstrual cycle) Severe changes in temperature Photosensitivity - about 2% of people with epilepsy are sensitive to sensory stimuli such as strobe lights, flickering televisions or flickering sunlight.

What can teachers do to help? Remember, that a child may experience observable seizures, seizures you can't see, and nocturnal (nighttime) seizuresmnbm. Teachers may need to modify instruction given this reality. A child's ability and knowledge may be variable; he may know something one day, and the next day seem to have forgotten it. This may require a change in a teacher's expectations (e.g. postpone a test until the child seems more alert). Since focus and attention may be hampered even when a child is not having seizures, a teacher should use repetition and direct instruction when needed (i.e. when the child appears to be having difficulty concentrating or retaining new information). Use consistent ways of interacting and patterned use of language. This provides a continuous, predictable experience for the child with seizures. Instructional language is very important. It should be simple, clear, and consistent so the child will know what is expected of him. Look for ways to promote success. This is very important in a child who may experience feelings of low self-esteem. Children with seizures may have difficulty with transitions, as they perceive the world as unpredictable and discontinuous. Try to build predictability and routine into the classroom environment. Consider using a "buddy system" or some form of peer helping. Many children with seizures are quite comfortable with adults (having had adults "manage" their health and safety) but less competent at making and keeping friends. Help build self-esteem and mastery through peer support. This also imparts a level of comfort in the other students.

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