Epilepsy: talk to teachers
At the origin of the crises, sometimes spectacular, a disturbance of the electrical activity of the brain. Knowing this location is reassuring. But, at the same time, it raises fears of mental retardation.
“In fact, if epilepsy did not appear very early, when the structures of the brain are put in place, these children have a good chance of being schoolchildren almost like the others”, underlines Pr Olivier Dulac, neuropediatrician .
Should teachers be notified? The parents are hesitant… Apart from seizures, the epileptic child is not very different from the others. He does not appear to be “sick” and should not be treated as such. And many parents fear exclusion. When the seizures are well controlled by medication, they therefore prefer to be silent. Still, it’s better to talk about it.
Epilepsy: possible school difficulties
Indeed, the treatment can lead to a certain fatigue, difficulty concentrating and slowness. Once informed, teachers will better understand the “absences” of their young pupil, his clumsiness, his balance problems. Sometimes it is the teacher who alerts the parents. He is the first to notice very discreet crises with, in certain cases, a school delay. Only a particular aspect of the electrical waves of the brain, visible on the EEG (electroencephalogram), can confirm the diagnosis. To help these children, the National Education has set up individualized reception projects (PAI). It is advisable to discuss this with the doctor.
Epilepsy: a child like any other
Should computer classes be exempted? This is most often unnecessary, as only 3 to 5% of epileptics are sensitive to light. Should he be banned from sport? No, since this activity promotes their development and contact with others. With, all the same, some exceptions: swimming, climbing, parallel bars and, above all, scuba diving, which can be dangerous in the event of a crisis.