EpilepsyMolly Butts

PHE 404

Fall 2008

What to look for: Definition Causes Diagnosis Triggers Treatment Prevalence What to do in your classroom

What it is… Physically disabling condition Neurological Disorder Seizures

Hallucination Disorientation Distressed Unconscious Convulsing

Causes Idiopathic epilepsy

Cause is either unknown or can be genetically traced.

Symptomatic epilepsy Caused by an illness or injury to the brain.

Diagnosis

Electroencephalography (EEG) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) single photon emission computed tomography

(SPECT) positron emission tomography (PET)

Triggers Flashing lights Emotional stress Sleep deprivation Diet Certain activities Menstrual Cycle

Treatment

Medication Surgery Ketogenic Diet Electrical Stimulation

Prevalence and Incidence 3 million people in the U.S. 200,000 new cases/year 45,000 children under the age of 15

develop epilepsy each year. Males=more likely than females

Kids with Epilepsy in your Classroom…

Kids with epilepsy can do most anything, extra precautions need to be taken though.

Assign a buddy who is aware of the student’s condition.

Have the nurse’s number nearby. Be aware of what triggers the seizures.

Limit these distractions as much as possible.

What to do for kids in your class when they get a seizure: DO NOT:

Restrain the victim or place anything in his/her mouth.

Attempt to move the victim unless he or she is in danger or further injury.

Leave them unattended

DO: Carefully loosen tight

clothing around the neck.

When the attack is over, place the victim in the recovery position and allow to regain consciousness.

Stay with them until they are in control and have regained awareness.

Case Study Niki Horse Accident Triggers: Fireworks, strobe lights, loud

noises. Couldn’t swim alone. Condition has gotten a lot better.

Review Physical Disability Most commonly recognized by seizures

(hallucination, distress, convulsing, disorientation, unconscious)

Can be treated by medication, surgery, a diet change or electrical stimulation.

3 Million people in the US have this disorder. Avoid things that trigger seizures in your class,

assign a buddy to these students but get them involved in the class and know they can still participate.

Quiz

1. How many people have epilepsy in the US?

2. Name two ways epilepsy can be treated.

3. What kind of disability is epilepsy?

4. Name two types of seizures.

5. Name one way to adapt to a child with epilepsy in your class.