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Additional Information
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According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America,
epilepsy is a physical condition that occurs when there is
a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. When brain
cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness,
movement, or actions may be altered for a short time. These
physical changes are called epileptic seizures. Epilepsy
is therefore sometimes called a seizure disorder. Epilepsy
affects people in all nations and of all races.
Some people can experience a seizure and not have epilepsy.
For example, many young children have convulsions from fevers.
These febrile convulsions are one type of seizure. Other
types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those
caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by
alcohol or drug withdrawal. A single seizure does not mean
that the person has epilepsy.
Incidence
About two million Americans have epilepsy; of the 125,000
new cases that develop each year, up to 50% are in children
and adolescents.
Characteristics
Although the symptoms listed below are not necessarily indicators
of epilepsy, it is wise to consult a doctor if you or a member
of your family experiences one or more of them:
- "Blackouts" or periods of confused memory;
- Episodes of staring or unexplained periods of unresponsiveness;
- Involuntary movement of arms and legs;
- "Fainting spells" with incontinence or followed by excessive
fatigue; or
- Odd sounds, distorted perceptions, episodic feelings
of fear that cannot be explained.
Seizures can be generalized, meaning that all brain cells
are involved. One type of generalized seizure consists of
a convulsion with a complete loss of consciousness. Another
type looks like a brief period of fixed staring.
Seizures are partial when those brain cells not working properly
are limited to one part of the brain. Such partial seizures
may cause periods of "automatic behavior" and altered consciousness.
This is typified by purposeful- looking behavior, such as
buttoning or unbuttoning a shirt. Such behavior, however,
is unconscious, may be repetitive, and is usually not recalled.
Educational Implications
Students with epilepsy or seizure disorders are eligible
for special education and related services under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Epilepsy is classified
as "other health impaired" and an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) would be developed to specify appropriate services.
Some students may have additional conditions such as learning
disabilities along with the seizure disorders.
Seizures may interfere with the child's ability to learn. If
the student has the type of seizure characterized by a brief
period of fixed staring, he or she may be missing parts of
what the teacher is saying. It is important that the teacher
observe and document these episodes and report them promptly
to parents and to school nurses.
Depending on the type of seizure or how often they occur, some
children may need additional assistance to help them keep up
with classmates. Assistance can include adaptations in classroom
instruction, first aid instruction on seizure management to
the student's teachers, and counseling, all of which should
be written in the IEP.
It is important that the teachers and school staff are informed
about the child's condition, possible effects of medication,
and what to do in case a seizure occurs at school. Most parents
find that a friendly conversation with the teacher(s) at the
beginning of the school year is the best way to handle the
situation. Even if a child has seizures that are largely controlled
by medication, it is still best to notify the school staff
about the condition.
School personnel and the family should work together to monitor
the effectiveness of medication as well as any side effects.
If a child's physical or intellectual skills seem to change,
it is important to tell the doctor. There may also be associated
hearing or perception problems caused by the brain changes.
Written observations of both the family and school staff will
be helpful in discussions with the child's doctor.
Children and youth with epilepsy must also deal with the psychological
and social aspects of the condition. These include public misperceptions
and fear of seizures, uncertain occurrence, loss of self control
during the seizure episode, and compliance with medications.
To help children feel more confident about themselves and accept
their epilepsy, the school can assist by providing epilepsy
education programs for staff and students, including information
on seizure recognition and first aid.
Students can benefit the most when both the family and school
are working together. There are many materials available for
families and teachers so that they can understand how to work
most effectively as a team.
To read the rest of this article from the National Dissemination
Center for Children with Disabilities, please click here: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs6txt.htm
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