Epilepsy In The Classroom
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Significance:
Definitions:
Epilepsy – brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally (“Seizures and Epilepsy,” 2004).
Derived from the Greek word meaning “to take hold of” or “to seize”
Seizure – an episodic disturbance of movement, feeling, or consciousness caused by sudden synchronous, inappropriate, and excessive electrical discharges in the cerebral cortex (Brodie & French, 2000).
muscles tighten and relax rapidly or stop moving completely
come on suddenly and person has no control over their muscles during seizure
person may pass out and shake all over during a seizure (Goodman, 2003).
Diagnosis:
Clinical history and testimony from a person who witnessed the episode
this is very important when a seizure has never occurred before
Some types of epilepsy are more likely to become evident during the teenage years
called idiopathic syndromes (a morbid state or condition not preceded or occasioned by any other disease; a primary disease) (Brodie & French, 2000).
juvenile myoclonic epilepsy – characterized by sudden myoclonic jerks that usually begin after the age of 10
generalised tonic-clonic seizures upon awakening – type of seizure that results in loss of consciousness, generalised muscle contractions, urinary incontinence, tongue biting and a post-ictal state (confusion and lethargy) following cessation of the seizure (“Seizures and Epilepsy,” 2004).
Some known causes of seizures
Sleep deprivation
Photosensitivity
Alcohol withdrawal (Brodie & French, 2000)
alcohol has acute anticonvulsant effects but withdrawal is associated with an increased likelihood of seizures (Nordli, Jr., 2001)
Major stresses (Brodie & French, 2000)
Illicit drugs – cocaine, alcohol (Nordli, Jr., 2001)
Famous People Believed to Have Had Epilepsy
Alexander the Great
Julius Caesar
Harriet Tubman
Vincent van Gogh
Ludwig van Beethoven (Schachter, 2004)
Remediation:
Education for:
Teachers
Communicate with the parents. Ask questions such as:
what kind of seizure does the child have?
what do they look like?
how often do they occur?
how long do they usually last?
need to sleep after a seizure?
need to go home after a seizure?
usually confused afterwards?
best way to manage the seizure? (“The National Society,” 2004)
First Aid
remain calm
place the person on the softest surface around
remove glasses and loosen any tight, restrictive clothing (Goodman, 2003)
roll the person on their side to prevent choking on fluids or vomit
cushion the persons head
keep the persons airway open (if necessary, grip the persons jaw gently and tilt their head back)
remove any sharp or solid objects that the person might hit during the seizure
note how long the seizure lasts and what symptoms occurred so you can tell a doctor/parent/school nurse/EMS personnel
stay with them until the seizure ends and they are conscious
** DO NOT restrict the person from moving unless they are in danger
** DO NOT put anything into the persons mouth they cannot swallow their tongue contrary to beliefs (liquids or medicine can cause choking or damage to the persons jaw, tongue or teeth)
Call 911 if:
the person is pregnant or diabetic
the seizure happens in water
the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
the person does not begin breathing again or does not return to consciousness after the seizure stops
another