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EPILEPSY 101

ABOUT

What is Epilepsy?

The American Psychological Association defines Epilepsy as a group of chronic brain disorders associated with disturbances in the electrical discharges of brain cells and characterized by recurrent seizures with or without clouding or loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy Symptoms:

Symptoms are different based on the type of seizure. Common symptoms are:

Temporary Confusion
Staring Spells
Stiff Muscles
Uncontrollable jerking
Loss of Consciousness
Aura and feelings of anxiety, fear or deja vu

STATISTICS

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Epilepsy Affects 50 million people worldwide
Five million people are diagnosed with Epilepsy each year (WHO)
Three million Americans have Epilepsy as reported by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
1 in 26 people will develop Epilepsy in their lifetime per the Epilepsy Foundation

TREATMENTS

Most Common Treatments for Epilepsy include:

Medication- medication helps two out of three people with Epilepsy. Many commonly prescribed medications can be found here
Surgery- if seizures become uncontrolled, surgery may be an option. Different types of surgery options include a Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) device or Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LiTT)
Diet- Another form of treatment that can be used in conjunction with medication or alone is the KETO diet. It is reported that 50% of patients have less seizures when on the KETO diet.

INFO FOR TEACHERS

Education

Classroom Supports

Assisted Technology

Teaching Modifications for Students with Epilepsy

Additional Time for tests and assignments
Time out of class following an episode
Memory Devices for examinations
Re-explain directions and provide written copy of directions
Discuss group work with student before the day group work is assigned/ Give a daily/weekly roadmap of assignments
Provide private space for testing
Prepare for seizure event- talk with student
- Have and understand a seizure action plan

Seizure Detection Devices
- Apps for a smart watch such as MyMedicWatch can reduce risk of danger to a student
  - The app can alert the teacher or others if a seizure occurs and can call for help if the student is out of the room
Recording Software for classroom lectures
- Students with Epilepsy may have memory deficits due to medications or damage to the brain from seizure activity. Recording software allows students to focus on the lecture and re-listen to it later if they cannot recall specifics
Technology that helps alleviate stress
- Stress is a trigger of seizures for those with Epilepsy and having seizures also causes anxiety. It is a never-ending cycle
  - Apps such as Breathe2Relax can be used to help alleviate stress