Our Training Manager, Nicola Milne, provides information on our epilepsy and learning course designed for education professionals to help keep a child or student who has epilepsy safe.

Almost half of the UK’s education professionals admit they wouldn’t be able to help a student having an epileptic seizure, according to research by Young Epilepsy.

The study questioned 600 teachers, support staff and school administrators about their knowledge of epilepsy.

Also, the majority of respondents were unable to recognise key signs of a seizure and were not aware of the different types of seizures that pupils and students with epilepsy can experience.

Furthermore, only 29 per cent knew that they were supposed to time the length of the seizure.

In addition, almost a third didn’t recognise that a child or student staring blankly, as if daydreaming, could also be a sign that they are having a seizure.

Being a teacher or lecturer, you could be the first adult to see a child or student having an epileptic seizure.

For many children, their epilepsy will not affect their behaviour or learning ability.

However, we know children and students with epilepsy do underperform at school, college or university and achieve less than expected. There are many reasons for this.

Epilepsy can have a long-term negative effect. Some children and young adults will have very low self-esteem and self-confidence.

Meanwhile, others may have missed educational opportunities. Also, teenagers and young adults often feel socially isolated from their friends.

Therefore, the way education professionals react and how readily they accept their condition can make a big difference.

Epilepsy and learning course

Our epilepsy and learning course helps provide educational professionals with important knowledge to help keep a child or a student who has epilepsy safe, lead a fulfilling life and also reach their potential.

The course covers:

• Impact of seizures on memory
• Learning related triggers – anxiety around exams, teenage risk-taking behaviours
• Impact on independence, confidence and self-esteem
• Risk assessing for seizures (how to keep students safe)
• Measures to help improve memory and learning
• Treatment options and how these might affect learning
• Additional support and services

Teachers and lecturers play an important part in helping children and young adults with epilepsy lead a fulfilling life.

They also play an important role in helping remove the stigma of epilepsy and change misconceptions.

To find out more about our epilepsy and learning course, please email Nicola Milne at NMilne@epilepsyscotland.org.uk or call 0131 659 4730.