What is Epilepsy and how do we deal with it in the classroom?
"As a teacher, you know that information is power. On this Web site, you’ll find the information needed to educate yourself, your colleagues, and your students about the realities of epilepsy, so that you can help foster better understanding about—and greater compassion for—individuals living with epilepsy.
To start, the term epilepsy stems from the Greek word “to seize.” It’s best described not as a disease, but instead as a group of related disorders characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. Simply put, epilepsy is the tendency to have seizures, and epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.
More information about epilepsy—such as what a seizure consists of, possible triggers, and who can have epilepsy are described in detail in this section.
Share the link, and spread the knowledge."
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Use this LESSON PLANS link to discover grade level specific information on how to handle you special needs students in a rewarding, safe manner:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
from: http://www.epilepsyclassroom.com/epilepsy/epilepsy_faqs.aspx
What does "epilepsy" mean?
The word "epilepsy" is derived from a Greek word meaning "to seize." Today, the word "epilepsy" means nothing more than the tendency to have seizures.
How many people have epilepsy?
Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. More than 3 million of these people live in the US. This means that about 1 in every 100 people in the US has experienced an unprovoked seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
A neurologist often performs the diagnosis and evaluation of epilepsy. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be used to supplement information provided about the specifics of potential seizure activity. The information needed may include when the seizure started, the student’s appearance before, during, and after the seizure, and any unusual observations including changes in behavior. As an educator, it is important to keep track of seizure events that occur in your class so that you can share information with the parents of the affected student.
Is there a cure for epilepsy?
To cure epilepsy, researchers and doctors need to know its cause. In most cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown, so for many people living with epilepsy, a cure has not yet been discovered. For some people, the cause of their epilepsy is known. In these cases, it is sometimes possible to treat the underlying cause of their epilepsy.
Can epilepsy be fatal?
Typically, the answer is no. In rare cases, a condition called status epilepticus can occur. This is when a person has continuous seizures for longer than 5 minutes without regaining consciousness. This is a true medical emergency and has the potential to be fatal. If you see this occur in your classroom, call 911 immediately. Thankfully, status epilepticus is not a common occurrence. More common is serious injury caused by hazards or accidents that occur when someone has a seizure unexpectedly in a potentially dangerous situation, such as while swimming or riding a bike.
Can seizures occur if a student does not have epilepsy?
Yes. Epilepsy is an ongoing condition of recurrent unprovoked seizures. If a student has just a single seizure, and the seizure does not return, then it is not related to epilepsy. There are many types of non-epileptic seizures, and they often differ from those related to epilepsy. The most common difference between an epileptic and a non-epileptic seizure is that there is usually no evidence of any abnormal electrical brain activity after a non-epileptic seizure. Unless you’re aware that a student has epilepsy, it will likely be difficult for you to make this distinction—so it is important to treat any seizure you encounter with the same seriousness and sense of urgency.
How can a non-epileptic seizure be provoked?
Some of the common causes of non-epileptic seizures are low blood sugar, fainting, heart disease, stroke, drug and alcohol withdrawal, and extreme stress or anxiety.
How long do seizures last?
Every seizure is different, and seizures affect different students in different ways. Typically, though, the type of seizure determines how long it lasts. Depending on the type of seizure, it can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
Be aware that any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (known as status epilepticus) is considered a true medical emergency. If you see this occur in your classroom, call 911 immediately.
Can people living with epilepsy lead normal lives?
Absolutely! You should encourage students with epilepsy to take part in many of the same activities and events as the rest of the class. For safety’s sake, there may be some provisions regarding dangerous activities—talk with your student’s parents to see if there are any activities that should be avoided or that require additional supervision.
What is the correct way to respond to a seizure?
For starters, try to remain calm. The most important thing you can do for a student having a seizure is to keep him or her safe. Since you won’t be able to stop the seizure, your role will be to move any objects away that might cause him or her harm. Be sure not to put anything in his or her mouth—contrary to the popular myth, it is not possible for a person to swallow his tongue.
Popular websites for further research:
http://aesnet.org/go/professional-development/educational-opportunities/epilepsy-education-program/resident-educationAmerican Epilepsy Society Epilepsy Education Program
www.braintalk.org/BrainTalk Communities: Online patient support groups for neurology (from Massachusetts General Hospital) -- a large and active site with separate forums for epilepsy and a very wide range of other disorders.
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/epilepsy/index.htmNational Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: A page dedicated to some general information on epilepsy.
www.carpedb.ua.edu/CarpeDB is a dynamic epilepsy genetics database sponsored by a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama.CarpeDB serves as a novel source for both epilepsy researchers and the public by featuring scores of "epilepsy genes" and associated publications in one location.
www.columbiaepilepsy.org/The website of the Columbia University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, including patient education, information about services available for the complete care of patients with epilepsy, and links to other useful websites.
www.epilepsycenter.com/The website of the Epilepsy Center, an organization that provides services in northwestern Ohio. Features safety tips, posters for sale, and extensive links.
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/Website of The Epilepsy Foundation, the U.S. national organization that works for people affected by seizures. A good place to get reliable information, especially on legal affairs and community services.
www.epilepsyinstitute.org/The website of The Epilepsy Institute, a social-service organization for people with epilepsy in New York City and Westchester County, New York.
www.epilepsytoronto.org/Website of Epilepsy Toronto, a non-profit oragnization dedicated to the promotion of independence and optimal quality of life for all people with epilepsy and their families. They offer a range of epilepsy support services, information programs and education to the public.
http://www.epipro.com/Epilepsy & Brain Mapping Program: A comprehensive healthcare center in Pasadena, California, for treating adult and pediatric epilepsy and other neurological disorders with seizures.
familydoctor.org/214.xmlFamilydoctor.org, a website created by the American Academy of Family Physicians: General information on epilepsy.>www.hsc.stonybrook.eduThe website of the Long Island Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/epilepsyMayo Clinic is a world leader in developing innovative ways to diagnose and treat epilepsy in children and adults.
http://www.naec-epilepsy.org/The website of the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. Find a comprehensive epilepsy center near you!
www.neuro.wustl.edu/epilepsy/Epilepsy information and local resource centers in St. Loius, MO.
www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs6txt.htmNational Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Epilepsy information and resources.
www.nyuepilepsy.org/cec/New York University-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Epilepsy Center website. Information and useful links. The center includes a special program for people with tuberous sclerosis.
www.paceusa.org/The website of Parents Against Childhood Epilepsy,an organization that provides support for parents of children with epilepsy. Features information regarding fundraising efforts in support of advances in medical research of epilepsy.
pppl.tblc.org/sesweb/Suncoast Epilepsy Association: A Florida, non-profit organization which provides services to individuals with epilepsy in Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
