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10 Things Every Teacher Needs to Know About Epilepsy and Seizures
September 2, 2011 11:30 AMSend to a Friend
- Seizures are common. About 1 out of 12 people will have at least one seizure in their lifetime. Epilepsy, a condition that involves recurring seizures affects about 1 out of 100 individuals (approximately 40,000 people in BC) and is most prevalent in children and those with special needs.
- There are many different types of seizures. The most common type in children under the age of 12 are absence seizures. These are so brief and subtle they may easily be missed. Careful observation, recording, and reporting of any potential episodes is essential.
- People having an epileptic seizure cannot swallow their tongue, stop a seizure by themselves, and/or intentionally provoke them. People with epilepsy have seizures that are due to a temporary, abnormally excessive burst of electrical activity in the brain. They usually happen without warning and without a specific trigger.
- Each child with epilepsy is unique. Therefore, make sure the information that you have and understand is specific to the child. This should come from their parents and their healthcare professionals.
- Seizures are just one part of having epilepsy. About 30% of children with epilepsy also have learning difficulties. These can vary in severity and the types of skills that may be affected. A specialized learning assessment is usually required to specify what cognitive functions are affected and how to best assist the student in the classroom.
- Children with epilepsy do not want to be treated differently than other kids. Even in students with severe and frequent seizures, it is important to integrate them into all activities as much as possible.
- Many famous people throughout past and present have had epilepsy or been believed to do so. This includes Roman leader Julius Caesar, actor Danny Glover, Olympic hockey goalie Chanda Gunn, poet Emily Dickenson, rapper Ad Rock, and Isabella “Kelly” Falk, a contestant on America’s Top Model.
- Responding to a seizure in a calm, professional, reassuring, and empathetic manner will help ensure that other students to do the same. Educating the other students about epilepsy is essential to ensure that the student has support from their classmates and to lessen the chance of social isolation or bullying.
- It’s not just about the diagnosis, it’s about the child. Focus on the child’s strengths and abilities, teach skills that foster self-development, self-esteem, and which challenge and stimulate them to maximize academic and social development.
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You can make a big difference in improving the lives of children with epilepsy and their families. Your efforts are appreciated and valued by the millions of people affected by epilepsy throughout the world.
The BC Epilepsy Society has services and resources to assist you. This includes free information materials, educational workshops, and classroom resource kits. Age-appropriate workshops are also available for students. For more information, please contact Elvira Balakshin at 604-875-6704 or at outreach@bcepilepsy.com
Posted by the BC Epilepsy Society at September 2, 2011 11:30 AM
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