Childhood Absence Epilepsy (aka Pyknolepsy)

 Absence Seizures- Sally is an 8-year-old with CAE. She is a good student, but her epilepsy interferes with her school work and academics. She is on medication, but her meds only minimize her seizures. Sally’s seizures vary in intensity; sometimes she will stare into space for a few seconds, or even get up and wander aimlessly around the room. Sally has no control over what her body is doing since the nerves in her brain cause her to become unconscious of what she is doing. Sally also complains of seeing a bright flashing light in her eyes, which is often a sign of an oncoming seizure. While Sally’s form of epilepsy is not severe, she sometimes suffers really bad seizures that control and jerk her whole body for about 30 seconds. However, her teachers know how to handle her situation and her classmates are understanding and embrace Sally.

 Talk with parents and school nurses about medications and how to handle their child.  Be prepared: Know CPR, and First Aid.  Make sure the class is aware about the student’s epilepsy so they know how to react and wont be freaked out if and when a seizure occurs. (Seizure drills)  Stay calm.  Keep a persistent eye on the child to look for signs of an oncoming seizure.  Ask the student about their condition and get to know their tendencies and side effects.