Epilepsy

Epilepsy is neither an illness or a disease, but rather a tendency of the brain to be triggered to cause a spasm, a seizure or a fit, when neurones malfunction temporarily. Seizures can vary from major attacks which involve the whole brain to very minor,

Gill Parkinson is a Senior Lecturer in complex learning disability and neuropsychology in the Educational Support and Inclusion Group that forms part of the School of Education at the University of Manchester Mike Johnson is Lecturer in the Institute of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University

Acknowledgements

vii

Preface

ix

1 Fits, Faints and Funny Feelings

1

(26)

Introduction

1

(1)

What is epilepsy?

2

(4)

What isn't epilepsy?

6

(2)

Seizures

8

(5)

Treatment for epilepsy

13

(5)

Other treatments for epilepsy

18

(5)

Epilepsy in adolescence

23

(3)

References

26

(1)

2 Does This Child Have a Problem?

27

(18)

First contact: the general practitioner

29

(4)

Experiences of having tests

33

(1)

Seeing the consultant

34

(5)

What parents need

39

(6)

3 What Next?

45

(38)

Keeping the child involved

45

(1)

Access to the curriculum — a whole-school approach

46

(3)

Academic subjects

49

(1)

Key Stage tests and formal examination arrangements

50

(1)

Examinations and assessed work

51

(2)

Practical subjects and laboratory-based work

53

(1)

PE/outdoor pursuits and swimming

54

(1)

How do parents ensure that their child is treated appropriately by the school?

55

(3)

How are the risks to be assessed?

58

(25)

4 Management of Epilepsy in Schools

83

(20)

First aid for seizures

84

(3)

Triggers of seizures

87

(2)

Medicines

89

(2)

Emergency medicines

91

(3)

Implementing an epilepsy policy

94

(6)

The school epilepsy policy in practice

100

(3)

5 It's a Child's Life

103

(8)

References

110

(1)

Further Information

111

Legal requirements and responsibilities

111

(2)

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Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials