Redbridge SERC

Epilepsy

Description

Key facts

Epilepsy is currently defined as a tendency to have recurrent seizures (sometimes called fits).

A seizure is caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in the normal message passing between brain cells.

It has been suggested that 1 in every 200 Secondary Pupils has epilepsy (yourepilepsy.org)

Fact sheets

Training / Help

SEaTSS can support students with this condition.

To refer to SEATSS please use this link:

https://eforms.redbridge.gov.uk/single-point-of-access-referral-form-for-education-support/

Videos

Screenshot for video: Epilepsy Awareness film

Epilepsy Awareness film

Epilepsy awareness film - showing different types of seizures and how to help practically.

Screenshot for video: Film to use for CPD - Epilepsy

Film to use for CPD - Epilepsy

A 9 minute film explianing key facts and how to support pupils who have Epilepsy. You can also download a pack to accompany the film - website given at the beginning …

Screenshot for video: Social history of Epilepsy

Social history of Epilepsy

A good film showing the social history of perceptions around Epilepsy. A variety of people talk about their experiences of having Epilepsy.

Lesson Resources

Children’s Chatterbox

http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/sites/epilepsy/files/images/downloads/epilepsyaction_chatterbox.pdf

Epilepsy Action has produced a fun chatterbox game, with questions and answers about epilepsy and activities.

    The chatterbox is an ideal tool to help children learn more about epilepsy, for example in PSHE or citizenship lessons.

    Learning Aids

    Please offer me a seat badge

    Please offer me a seat badge

    Available from:

    TfL have recently introduced a badge to help Adults and Children who may have difficulty standing/ waiting on all TfL transport. It is designed to be supportive for hidden disabilities and medical conditions. The badges are free- you do notneed…

    Illustrations

    Stickman Communication

    Stickman Communication

    Stickman Communications create brilliantly simple cards to help communicate a variety of conditions/ disabilities. They currently cover; * ASD * Sensory overload * Allergies  * Medical conditions  * Bowel and bladder conditions * Hypermobility and EDS * Migraine * Seizures * POTS /SVT * Visual impairment * Mental Health *…
    Full Size image

    Source: http://stickmancommunications.co.uk/epages/747384.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/747384/Categories/topics

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome?

      Lennox-Gastaut syndrome:

      • is one of the most severe forms of childhood epilepsy
      • there is no known cause for @ 1/3 of all cases
      • does not run in families
      • accounts for 10% of all childhood epilepsies
      • seizures normally start between 2- 5 yrs of age, and rarely start after the age of 8
      • does not respond to epileptic drug treatment
      • a child's development is rarely normal before the seizures start
      • can be one of the hardest forms of childhood epilepsy to treat
      • Dr's may consider cutting the corpus Callosum ( the large group of nerve fibres connecting the two halves of the brain) as this can sometimes help, however the seizures can return after a period of time.

       

    • What are the educational implications for students who have Epilepsy?
      • Care needs to be taken in subjects such as Science / Technology.
      • Apply for extra time in examinations to allow for a rest break
      • Ensure school day is paced well - tiredness and stress can trigger seizures
      • Only 5 & of pupils with Epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy - care needs to be taken with TV and computer screens, flickering overhead lights, sunlight flickering through blinds

       

    • Are there different types of Epilepsy?
      • Idiopathic Epilepsy– arise from genetic abnormalities.
      • Cryptogenic Epilepsy- the cause is not established at the time of testing.
      • Symptomatic Epilepsy– arise from the effects of an epileptic lesion such as a tumor, or a defect in metabolism causing widespread injury to the brain
    • What are the educational implications for students who have Epilepsy?
      Care in subjects such as Science / technology Apply for extra time in examinations (reasonable adjustment) Tiredness and stress can increase seizures– ensure school day is paced. Only 5 % of pupils with Epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy—care needs to be taken with TV screen, computers, flickering over head lights, geometric designs, and sunlight flickering through blinds. Download ‘Routes to success’ pdf, which outlines the successful strategies a range of schools have introduced to support pupils with Epilepsy.
    • What are 'myoclonic seizures'?
      • These type of seizures are very rare.
      • There is normally a sudden muscle jerk before the pupil falls to the ground.
    • What are 'absences'?

      'Absences' describe a period of time when a student may

      • go blank and stares.
      • blinking eyes
      • odd movements of the hands or noddng of the head

      These can be very brief and extremely frequent.

      Episodes can merge into each other, lasting for hours/ days and this is then called 'non-convulsive status epilepticus'.

    • Where can I download 'Routes to success'pack to provide clear advice for schools?
    • What should I do if I see a seizure?

      Students who have Epilepsy should all have an agreed Care Protocol which has previously been agreed by health professionals, parents and school- staff should follow the guidelines outlined there.

      In general:

      • Note the time the seizure starts
      • Ensure the student is safe by removing items around them
      • Protect the students heads by playing a cushion, jumper underneath their head
      • Do not hold the student down or restrict body movements
      • Do not put anything in their mouth
      • Try to ensure privacy
      • Once the seizure has stopped, place the student into the recovery position
      • Reassure the student

      Call an ambulance if

      • This is the student's first seizure
      • If the student hurt themselves during the fit
      • If the student has fitted longr than stated in Protocol
      • If the students has another seizure straight after the first
      • Emergency medication has no effect
      • Generaly if the seizure last longer than 5 mins unless agreed in Protocol.

       

       

       

    • Are there different types of seizures?

      Types of Seizures

      • Partial seizures (focal) - epileptic activity in part of the brain.
      • Simple partial seizures - person is fully conscious.
      • Complex partial seizures - person partly loses consciousness.
      • Generalised - Involves both side of the brain. Person loses consciousness.
      • Secondary generalised - Starts as partial and changes to generalised.
    • What are the educational implications for students who have Epilepsy?

      Epilepsy may impact upon:

      • learning
      • concentration
      • memory
      • behaviour
      • self esteem
      • speech and language
      • fine and gross motor skills

    Family Resources

    Contact a family

    Website: 
    http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
    Description

    A UK wide charity providing advice, information and support to parents of all disabled children. 

    SNAP Essex Charity

    Phone: 
    01277 211300
    Email: 
    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
    Website: 
    http://www.snapcharity.org/
    Description

    SNAP charity is based in Essex. They have a really comprehensive resource library - books, toys, computer items. 

    If you contact them, they will send you a directory of items they have in stock.