Promoting Epilepsy Awareness – A Guide for Parents and Educators

There are many different epilepsy types and classifications. In Australia, Epilepsy Awareness Month is in March.

Below we explore the types of epilepsy and how educators and parents can support young people with epilepsy.

What Causes Epilepsy

Many people who are diagnosed with epilepsy will never know what has caused their epilepsy. Epilepsy does not discriminate, and it can affect anyone at any age or stage of their life.

One cause can be brain damage, which can affect cells and the way the brain sends and receives messages, which can then lead to seizures. Other causes can include (not limited to) brain abnormalities present at birth, genetic factors, alcohol or drug abuse, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, for example.

Determining the cause of epilepsy can influence the types of medications or treatment that may be best to treat that specific type of epilepsy and minimise the occurrence of seizures.

Seizure Triggers

Triggers for epilepsy are not the same as the cause of the epilepsy and they differ from person to person. Some triggers may include missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, heightened emotions, hormonal changes, low blood sugar, and other medications, for example.

Common Seizures

• Focal-aware seizures — If a seizure does not impair consciousness and the person has full awareness during the seizure, this is known as a focal-aware seizure.
• Focal seizures impaired awareness—Seizures that cause a change in awareness or consciousness are known as focal impaired awareness seizures.
• Tonic-clonic seizures — This type of seizure may look different. However, examples include a stiff body, eyes and a head that may turn in one direction, body movements/shaking, loss of bladder control, loss of consciousness, and falling over.
• Myoclonic Seizures — A seizure where a single brief muscle jerk or series of jerks occur.
• Tonic Seizures — A seizure that involves increased muscle tone (stiffening) of the body and is usually very brief. If the person is standing, they will usually fall to the ground.
• Atonic seizures — A type of seizure that involves the loss of muscle tone. Atonic seizures often happen in people with intellectual disabilities or more complex epilepsies.
• Absence seizures — These seizures can start and end abruptly, can be very brief with no awareness during the seizure. These types of seizures can often be misinterpreted as daydreaming or inattentiveness.

First Aid for seizures

Below are some recommendations if someone has a seizure.

1. Stay calm.
2. Ensure the person is aware of the danger.
3. Call an ambulance and/or call for help.
4. Loosen tight clothing.
5. If appropriate and safe, place the person in the recovery position to keep their airways clear.
6. Time the seizure.
7. Stay with the person.
8. Give nothing to eat or drink until the person is fully awake.

Supporting Young People with Epilepsy

It is important to encourage and support someone with epilepsy. Reassure them that they are not alone and talk openly about their diagnosis and what it means. Focus on the child’s strengths and reassure them that their epilepsy is not their fault. Encourage playdates and ensure that the responsible adults are aware of the epilepsy.

Epilepsy Education

Epilepsy Action Australia has a national hotline, 1300 374 537, available for parents, caregivers, and educators requiring support. Epilepsy Action Australia facilitates both accredited and non-accredited courses as well as workplace training. Schools can become a ‘Seizure Smart School’ through Epilepsy Action Australia, a comprehensive program designed to support schools and children with epilepsy.

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Reference

www.epilepsy.org.au