Epilepsy In The Classroom

Significance:

I. Definitions:

A. Epilepsy - brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally ("Seizures and Epilepsy," 2004).

1. Derived from the Greek word meaning "to take hold of" or "to seize"

B. 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).

1. muscles tighten and relax rapidly or stop moving completely

2. come on suddenly and person has no control over their muscles during seizure

3. person may pass out and shake all over during a seizure (Goodman, 2003).

II. Diagnosis:

A. Clinical history and testimony from a person who witnessed the episode

1. this is very important when a seizure has never occurred before

B. Some types of epilepsy are more likely to become evident during the teenage years

1. called idiopathic syndromes (a morbid state or condition not preceded or occasioned by any other disease; a primary disease) (Brodie & French, 2000).

a) juvenile myoclonic epilepsy - characterized by sudden myoclonic jerks that usually begin after the age of 10

b) 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).

III. Some known causes of seizures

A. Sleep deprivation

B. Photosensitivity

C. Alcohol withdrawal (Brodie & French, 2000)

1. alcohol has acute anticonvulsant effects but withdrawal is associated with an increased likelihood of seizures (Nordli, Jr., 2001)

D. Major stresses (Brodie & French, 2000)

E. Illicit drugs - cocaine, alcohol (Nordli, Jr., 2001)

IV. Famous People Believed to Have Had Epilepsy

A. Alexander the Great

B. Julius Caesar

C. Harriet Tubman

D. Vincent van Gogh

E. Ludwig van Beethoven (Schachter, 2004)

Remediation:

I. Education for:

A. Teachers

1. Communicate with the parents. Ask questions such as:

a.) what kind of seizure does the child have?

b.) what do they look like?

c.) how often do they occur?

d.) how long do they usually last?

e.) need to sleep after a seizure?

f.) need to go home after a seizure?

g.) usually confused afterwards?

h.) best way to manage the seizure? ("The National Society," 2004)

2. First Aid

a.) remain calm

b.) place the person on the softest surface around

c.) remove glasses and loosen any tight, restrictive clothing (Goodman, 2003)

d.) roll the person on their side to prevent choking on fluids or vomit

e.) cushion the person's head

f.) keep the person's airway open (if necessary, grip the person's jaw gently and tilt their head back)

g.) remove any sharp or solid objects that the person might hit during the seizure

h.) note how long the seizure lasts and what symptoms occurred so you can tell a doctor/parent/school nurse/EMS personnel

i.) stay with them until the seizure ends and they are conscious

j.) ** DO NOT restrict the person from moving unless they are in danger

k.) ** DO NOT put anything into the person's mouth they cannot swallow their tongue contrary to beliefs (liquids or medicine can cause choking or damage to the person's jaw, tongue or teeth)

3. Call 911 if:

a.) the person is pregnant or diabetic

b.) the seizure happens in water

c.) the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

d.) the person does not begin breathing again or does not return to consciousness after the seizure stops

e.) another