Hi
Epilepsy UK provide a basic introduction
http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/education/highereducation.html

I think it's important to gather background information from the student
about how the epilepsy is being managed e.g. when first diagnosed, current
medication (including dosage), how often this medication has been changed in
recent years, how often the student meets with specialists to monitor the
condition, how frequently the student experiences different types of
seizures and whether this pattern has changed.

some of the medication people have to use to control epilepsy can have
strong side effects e.g. concentration, general stamina levels, that impact
on participation in HE as much as the condition. It can be a fine balance
finding a level of medication that allows the student to function but
reduces risk of seizures. Epilepsy can also impact on memory and processing
speed, like dyslexia does, in some people.

Many students I see are aware that the main triggers that cause episodes of
seizures is stress or lack of sleep. Thinking how DSA can help the student
maintain a regular routine and avoid unnecessary stress might help. E.g.
personal computer equipment, audio recording equipment for lectures (to
compensate for concentration problems in taught sessions e.g. due to
medication or nature of epilepsy, and to reduce stress caused by worrying
about concentration problems!), books and photocopying allowance, online
access to study resources and to ensure communication with tutors during
episodes of ill health, 'emergency' taxi allowance so student can get home
or to safe place if necessary. Providing some practical advice for tutors
who might be worried about the student on how best to ensure support is also
a good idea. Some of the assistive tech strategies you might recommend for
dyslexia could also help manage epilepsy-related concentration and
time-management problems. Encouraging the student to use any general study
skills advice at the uni, and maybe counsellors (who are very experienced in
helping people develop stress management strategies) is a good idea.

If the student is planning to live on campus, there is equipment that can be
provided to alert e.g. campus security services - have a look at
http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/safety.html#alarms

A student I met recently was told he/she can't live in university halls
because her/his epilepsy might cause a health and safety risk, or cause
distress to other students. The result is the student must now make a long
journey between home and uni, which requires the student to get up very
early and get home very late. As a result of this disruption to her/his
sleep pattern, the student is now more likely to experience seizures than if
he/she had been allowed to live on campus. There still appears to be stigma
out there regarding Epilepsy despite management strategies improving
somewhat in recent years.

Hope this helps.
Ian Francis




----- Original Message -----
From: "david mooney" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 6:04 PM
Subject: Dyslexia and epilepsy


I'm currently assessing a student for dyslexia who experiences ansence
seizures (Petit Mal). Any information and or links regarding the
relationship and impact on assessment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks


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