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Two main types; tonic/clonic
(grand mal) and absences (petit mal).
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Can be genetic or can be
the result of other trauma
A person with
this condition has fits (seizures) caused by a disruption in the electrical
charge in the cells of the brain. The fits can be severe and include jerking of
the limbs, spasticity of the limbs, foaming at the mouth, falling and
unconsciousness, but many people with epilepsy have fits of the absence kind
where they do not lose consciousness but just seem to 'be in a dream' for a
short time.
Things to look out
for: A person having a petit mal fit (absence) may look as if they are simply
staring into space. They may have missed part of the lesson without anyone
noticing. Sufferers often sense they are going to have a fit in that they may
experience a strange smell or sound. (an aura)
Treatment:
Medication.
Most epilepsy is
controlled by medication but there is always a possibility that a fit can occur.
*see below
Teaching
Strategies
Medical Information
People who can
help: SENCO/Resource Teacher
Books
Further Information
http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/
http://www.ncype.org.uk/
http://www.epilepsy.ie/
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