Epilepsy
FAQs
Epilepsy
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological
condition that affects the
nervous system. It is known as
a seizure disorder. While
currently considered an
incurable disorder, epilepsy
does respond well to
treatment, allowing the
epileptic person to lead a
normal life most of the time.
Epilepsy is described as having
one or more seizures caused by
a brain abnormality.
1. What causes epilepsy? In about
70% of cases there are no
known causes. However,
recurring seizures can be
related to head trauma and/or
infection.
2. At what age does epilepsy
start? Epilepsy affects children
and adults of all ages.
3. How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Medical history is reviewed,
physical exam and lab tests,
and a neurological exam.
4. How is epilepsy treated? Most
can be controlled partly or
completely by: anti-convulsion
medication, surgery, and diets.
5. How can I help someone who is
having a seizure? Stay calm,
remove hazards, don’t move
the person, loosen tight
clothing, protect airways, be
calm and reassuring.
 Helpful
Resources
California Department of Education:
Epilepsy Education and Awareness.
This site provides information for
parents and educators on the needs of
children with epilepsy in the California
school system. Link:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/epileps
yed.asp

Epilepsy Foundation informs readers of

the legal rights of children with
epilepsy in school and childcare. Know
your legal rights! Link:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/artic
les/epilepsy.manual.pdf
About kids health contains information
about financial support for children and
adults with epilepsy. Great resource for
financial assistance. Link:
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/en/resco
urcecentres/epilepsy/lookingahead/page
s/financial-support-for-children-and-
adults-withk-epilepsy.aspx
How teachers can accommodate your children’s special
needs:
Children with epilepsy often experience learning
issues as a result of their seizures. These may
include ongoing problems with motor skills or
cognitive function, as well as difficulty in acquiring
new kills to knowledge due to vulnerable working
memory that results from the seizure disorder.
The key to helping students with epilepsy reach
their full potential in school is to provide them with
opportunities that take into account their range of
learning problems, including difficulties with
speech and language, attention, and memory.
Early intervention is also critical for children with
epilepsy. Learning basic concepts and acquiring
good learning habits when young paves the way
for successful future learning. This is not to say
that middle and high school students will not
benefit from these strategies as well (Timmel,
2006). The following are strategies that teachers
can use to accommodate your child:
1. Curriculum Adaptation- teachers can
adapt their lessons to focus less on
retrieval of info and more on recognition
of tasks. (ex: graphic organizers, prompts,
etc.).
2. Thematic Teaching- students with
epilepsy learn best when they are
exposed to content as often as possible.
This type of teaching engages student in
the same content multiple times
throughout the day.
3. Tutorial- Students work best when going
over material one-on-one. Provide this
form of instruction when possible.