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Epilepsy or Neurological

Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain, which result in recurring seizures. These seizures can vary from person to person and for most, epilepsy will only affect them for a short period in their lives. For others, however, the consequences can be more lasting. Most seizures are controllable through medication.

There are two categories of seizures – generalised or partial.

A generalised seizure means that the whole brain is affected and the person invariably loses consciousness. The seizure usually ends naturally after a few minutes. On returning to consciousness, the person may feel confused and sleepy but many people are able to resume their normal activities after resting for a short while.
A partial seizure means that only part of the brain is affected and the person may remain conscious throughout the seizure.

Only about 3-5% of people who have epilepsy are photosensitive and may have a seizure in response to flickering lights e.g. strobe lights, or even the flickering of sunlight through trees. Most people can use computers safely provided some minor adjustments are made (such as a LCD screen).

Guidelines regarding seizures

The information below describes guidelines on what to do in the case of different types of seizure:

1. Generalised Onset Seizure with Motor Features – Convulsive seizures where the body stiffens followed by general muscle jerking:

Stay calm and time the seizure
Protect/cushion the head
If possible, turn the person on their side
Don’t restrain the person - unless they are in danger.
Let the seizure run its course
Do not put anything in the mouth (you can wipe away saliva)
Turn the person on their side after the seizure stops. Stay with them until they recover and respond fully

2. Focal Impaired/Complex Partial Seizures – Non-convulsive seizures in which awareness is affected but consciousness is not lost:

Stay calm and time the seizure
Don’t restrain the person - unless they are in danger
Let the seizure run its course
Guide the person away from danger
Do not agitate the person
Speak gently and reassure the person
Stay with the person until they recover and respond fully

3. Absences, Minor Seizures, Focal Aware/Simple Partial:

Stay calm and time the seizure
If the person wanders, guide them gently from danger
Stay with the person until they are fully recovered and responsive
Reassure them and explain what happened.

An ambulance should be called if:

it is the first known seizure
the seizure lasts longer than normal
the seizure lasts over 5 minutes (where normal duration is not known) for major seizures
more seizures follow without recovery
there are concerns about breathing
the person is injured, pregnant, has another medical condition or you are in any doubt

Impact on learning

Learning can be affected if epileptic activity takes place without any obvious outward signs.
The medication used to control seizures can cause a variety of side effects including drowsiness, aches and pains, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, disorientation and difficulties with concentrating and remembering.
Memory or concentration problems related to their epilepsy or may be side effects of medication.
Absence from college following a seizure.

How you can help

Familiarise yourself with the recommendations made in the Student’s LENS Report.

Please refer to the section on Inclusive Teaching and Assessment
Use the principles of Universal Design when developing your materials. Now is a good opportunity for you to enrol in the Universal Design in Teaching and Learning Badge

Exam Accommodations

For all in-class assessments please refer to the exam accommodations detailed in the student’s Learning and Educational Needs Statement (LENS).

Exam accommodations are determined on an individualised basis. Examples of recommended exam accommodations may include:

• Extra time

Impact on placement

Epilepsy impacts individuals differently. Difficulties can vary depending on the person and workplace context.

The medication used to control seizures can cause side effects.
In some cases, tiredness and stress can be potential seizure triggers
Transport limitations for those unable to drive due to seizures

Placement Reasonable Accommodations

There is no one size fits all approach to implementing placement support as each person will have a unique set of challenges and coping mechanisms. The best way to establish what accommodations may be required, if any, is to attend a Placement Planning Meeting before starting on placement.

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:

Supervisor to be aware that the student has epilepsy: discuss student’s preferred seizure management plan and management of potential triggers.
Flexibility to attend medical appointments.
Identify a mentor / work buddy so that the student can clarify any issues they may have and if that person can also check in regularly with the student.