Epilepsy is a condition in which cells in the brain produce unusual electrical activity. Epilepsy can manifest itself in terms of obvious seizures and through more subtle changes in behaviour and awareness.
Around 1 in every 250 children has a form of epilepsy.
Types of seizure:
- Absence (petit mal)
Absense seizures most commonly affect children and are characterised as a brief loss of awareness or almost daydream-like state. An absence may not be obvious to onlookers, although usually there are indicators particular to individuals (eye-lid flickers, rapid swallows, fiddling gestures) which are recognisable. Some children may have large numbers of absenses in succession or throughout the day which can be disorientating and difficult, but generally after an absense children return quickly to a normal state without ill-effects. - Myoclonic
This form of seizure is characterised by sudden involuntary jerking movements. Such seizures are usually brief though can often occur in groups. - Tonic
Usually in a tonic seizure the entire body becomes rigid and the individual collapses. Breathing can be affected and in some cases lack of oxygen may cause a blue palour or lips. Usually such seizures are brief or progress into a different form.
- Atonic
An atonic seizure is characterised by the relaxation of all muscles, again resulting usually in collapse. There is often more chance of injury as the person falls with this form of seizure than with tonic seizure. - Clonic
A clonic seizure is characterised in terms of involuntary thrashing and jerking movements as muscles relax and contract repeatedly. Attempts to restrict someone's movement or move them should only be made in extremis, rather space should be created and furniture etc moved away to prevent injury.
- Tonic-Clonic (grand mal)
This form of seizure is characterised by loss of consciousness, stiffening of muscles and collapse (tonic phase) followed by involuntary thrashing or jerking movements (clonic phase).
There are many syndromes or specific conditions defined by the nature, stimuli or patterns of seizure. Where a specific diagnosis has been made particular precautions or precursors may be indentified.
Ideally children in schools with epilepsy will be subject to an epilepsy care plan drawn up with medical advice and parental input and leaving staff in no doubt as to the course of action required. It is usually wise to raise awareness of epilepsy amongst a sufferer's peers to prevent well-meaning misintervention or fear.
Epilepsy Action (page-right) are an excellent source of more detailed information and resources about epilepsy for teachers and children.
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- Epilepsy Action
A great website on epilepsy with plenty of detailed information. A forum, sections for kids and research archive are amongst the highlights.
- Epilepsy Classroom
A collection of classroom resources, lesson plans and information sheets intended to raise awareness of epilepsy in educational settings. Great resource with teaching activities for all ages of student in addition to useful info for staff development.
- Kids Information
A colourful mini-site from Epilepsy Action providing good advice and information for younger kids.
- National Society for Epilepsy
Good site including First Aid information and plenty of expert information and articles.
- POKWE
Parents of Kids With Epilepsy is a support site for parents including links, FAQ and online forum.
- NCYPE
The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy provide education, treatment and care for children and young people with epilepsy. The site has much information of use to teachers and parents.
- Epilepsy Research Foundation
An excellent source of epilepsy related research and articles for free download.
- Int League Against Epilepsy
Homepage of a long-standing Internation organisation supporting health professionals with a substantial archive of resources
- Teacher's Guide
A concise summary of essential information for teachers of epileptic children from Epilepsy Action includes an Epilepsy Policy Document for schools.
- Coping With Epilepsy
A great place for parents, teachers and others to get first-hand advice, Coping with Epilsepy is a busy web forum.
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