Epilepsy: A Practical Guide

by Johnson,Mike

• ISBN13: 9781853468292
• ISBN10: 1853468290
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2002-06-07
• Publisher: David Fulton Pu

Summary

This book looks at epilepsy in children. How is it classified, managed and treated? What is the impact on the family and the child involved? How does this affect progress in school and access to the curriculum? There are sections on assessment and diagnosis of epilepsy; epilepsy and behavior; epilepsy and genetics; the implications for schools, the classroom and learning; how access to the curriculum might be increased; social aspects of epilepsy; and language and communication problems associated with epilepsy. Apart from sound content and clear, practical guidance, the reader will also find a glossary of terms, a seizure description chart, a risk assessment chart, a list of useful addresses and an annotated bibliography. This book will be useful to all teachers, SENCOs, Teaching Assistants, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, GPs, parents and carers of children with epilepsy.

Author Biography

Gill Parkinson is Programme Director for distance learning post-graduate courses in Profound Learning Disability and Multi-Sensory Impairment at the University of Manchester and Speech and Language Therapist with a national Childrens Epilepsy Assessment Service.

Table of Contents

Foreword	v
Preface	vii
Acknowledgements	viii
Glossary	ix
Epilepsy Diagnosis, Classification and Treatment	1	(21)
Introduction
Definitions of epilepsy
Causes and classification of epilepsy seizures and syndromes
Investigations
What is a seizure?
Epilepsies and epileptic syndromes
Treatment
Other treatments for epilepsy
Epilepsy in adolescence
Epilepsy and genetics
Assessment	22	(17)
Educational and cognitive assessment
Interpretation of assessment results
The role of the educational psychologist
Impact on the family
First contact: the General Practitioner
Experience of having tests
Seeing the consultant
What parents would have liked
Implications for School, Classroom and Learning	39	(19)
What parents say they were told about the Code of Practice
Sources of information for schools
Who receives this information?
Parents' comments about giving drugs
Knowledge about the side effects of medication
What happens after a seizure at school?
Lack of understanding about the condition
Lack of cooperation
Negative perceptions of school
Positive experiences of school
Access to the Curriculum - A Whole-School Approach	58	(10)
Academic subjects
Key Stage test and formal examination arrangements
Examinations and assessed work
Practical subjects and laboratory-based work
Physical education, outdoor pursuits and swimming
Epilepsy and Behaviour	68	(14)
Social aspects
Language and Communication Problems Associated with Epilepsy and Related Syndromes	82	(13)
Epilepsy-related factors
Types of seizures
Medication effect
Seizure frequency and duration
Language and communication problems associated with epilepsy syndromes (or associated syndromes where epilepsy is a major feature)
Management issues and principles
General principles of management and support of children with language disability and epilepsy
Quality of Life	95	(10)
Epilepsy survesy of qualitv of life
Risk management
Quality of life, learning disability and epilepsy
Useful Addresses/Internet Sites	105	(5)
Bibliography	110	(6)
Index	116