Epilepsy Mary Ann Taylor Cherie’ Rivera Cassie Watson

What is Epilepsy A type of physical disability It is a medical condition that causes seizures Seizures happen because of a malfunction that happens in the brain’s electric system

What parts of the body does it effect? Epilepsy effects the central nervous system, specially the brain The malfunction of the brain’s electric system is the main reason for a seizure As the seizure is happening the whole body can be effected

What are the causes? Epilepsy may be caused by either biological or environmental influences Biological: genetics – developmental disorder Environmental: head trauma, medical disorder, meningitis, AIDS, viral encephalitis, heart attack, stroke, prenatal injury

What are the characteristics? Epilepsy is characterized by: Seizures: caused when individual or groups of neurons produce rapid electrical discharges at the same time, which disrupt the brain from normal functions Focal Seizures: limited to one part of the brain Generalized Seizures: involve entire brain

Types of seizures and symptoms Petit Mal: staring, subtle movement of body, loss of consciousness Myoclonic: sudden jerks or twitches of arms or legs Atonic: due to loss of muscle tone, person may collapse or fall Grand Mal: body stiffens, shakes, may lose bladder control, loss of consciousness

Adaptive Technology Because people with epilepsy could have memory deficits they could benefit from using voice recordings for instructions. They may also find it difficult to manage time and complete tasks for which they could use a timer.

Adaptive Technology Vagal Nerve Stimulation: This is a new treatment implemented when traditional treatment is ineffective. A small battery is placed under the chest skin and leads are threaded to the vagas nerve. Short bursts of electrical energy stimulate the nerve every few minutes.

In the Classroom If a seizure happens in the classroom the teacher should -remain calm and call the school nurse -move furniture that could harm the student -turn the student onto their side when the seizure has stopped -stay with the student until fully alert

In the classroom After a student has had a seizure it is a good idea for the teacher or school nurse to have a discussion about what has happened. Explain that what happened is because of a health problem. Invite the child with epilepsy to help explain if they would like.

In the classroom School performance may be affected by: neurological impairment frequent seizures adverse effects of seizure medicines If a student’s performance is deteriorating, an intervention, such as an educational assessment or having the doctor check medication, may be appropriate

Medications and learning Certain types of medication have side effects Drowsiness Distracted Restless Other related variables: Number of medications the child is on Dosage level of medication

Medications and learning Be aware of unusual behavior Communicate with the parents Be informed whenever a medication is added or dosage changed Document behavioral and learning issues Special tests of attention and ability to process information

Websites About Epilepsy Lesson Plans Classroom Resources Parent Resources

Websites epilepsy/ Training for school staff Training for school nurses Resources for parents and students Informative videos

References Epilepsy.com. Retrieved March 29, 2011, from education Epilepsy Foundation. Retrieved March 26, 2011, from Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania. Retrieved April 4, 2011, from ning.shtml

References Mayo Clinic. (2009, April). Retrieved March 28, 2011, from /DSECTION=causes Suite101.com. Retrieved April 4, 2011, from and-learning-a168065#ixzz1IcNTtiXa