Different Types of Epilepsy - You Mean There is More Than One?

There are many different types of epilepsy - in fact, did you know there are actually about forty different types of epilepsy seizures? And that there are several different seizure types as well as epilepsy types? For some children with epilepsy, their particular epilepsy type may be characterised by the presence of more than one seizure type. Here are the basics about epilepsy seizure types:

Seizures can be generalised (beginning within the brain as a whole) or partial (beginning in one part of the brain).

A partial seizure may be:

• simple partial (where there is no change to consciousness level)
• complex partial (where level of consciousness is affected)

A generalised seizure can be:

• an absence seizure (where a child may appear to day dream for a few moments, and may not be aware they are doing so)
• a tonic clonic seizure (where the child will cry out and drop to the ground, with their muscles convulsing and body rigid for a few seconds up to a few minutes - also known as a grand mal seizure)
• a myoclonic seizure (where muscle movements occur but without a loss of consciousness - the person may fall or drop objects they are holding)
• tonic or atonic seizures (the person drops suddenly to the ground but the seizure is generally short lived and the person does not lose consciousness. Tonic seizures also occur during sleep. Atonic seizures can result in facial and head injuries as the person often falls head first, so safety for these students is paramount and should be discussed with parents and health professionals as required).

In special education it is quite common to teach children who have dual disabilities or multiple disabilities. These students need to be managed carefully to ensure they receive the optimum education quality possible and that the implications of their disabilities are understood fully by teachers and other staff members. For example, some children may have cerebral palsy and epilepsy, or a vision impairment and epilepsy. It is wise to remember that for some students in special education, parents and teachers may not be aware of the existence of secondary disabilities (dual disabilities). Although many of the different types of epilepsy become apparent in the early years, this is not always the case. Be on the watch for epilepsy which first presents in later childhood or even into adolescence.

One of the most effective things you can do as a teacher of a child with epilepsy is to be informed. Find out the facts about epilepsy and how they affect your student. Challenge stigmas such as people who believe epilepsy links with mental illness. Learn about the epilepsy types and seizure types which exist, and watch for them when you teach. Be alert to changes in your students who have epilepsy, and be ready to inform others (such as parents and health professionals) about your observations. To learn more about the basics of epilepsy, read this Bright Hub article or visit the website of your local Epilepsy organisation.