Epilepsy is wrongly surrounded by fear, prejudice and misunderstanding.

Epilepsy is common.

Epilepsy does not necessarily limit expectations or achievements.

Epilepsy can be managed.

Epilepsy can affect anyone at any age

The cause is often unknown and there is no known cure

At every level of schooling - from kindergarten to university, people with epilepsy may face challenges unknown to other students.

Whether these challenges are major obstacles or small inconveniences depends on many factors. Some of these factors are related to the student's epilepsy.

While most people with epilepsy lead a normal, healthy life, difficulties that may affect the life of a student with epilepsy include:

• Memory problems
• Attention and concentration difficulties
• Mood swings
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Social isolation

These can be influenced by the seizures, medications, missed schooling, others attitudes and level of understanding, or their own social and psychological adjustment to having epilepsy

The embarrassing character of seizures, the fear they arouse in other students and the slowing effects of some medications all add to epilepsy's social burden.

The school environment, particularly the school yard can be indifferent. Ignorance abounds with attitudes towards epilepsy being based on fiction rather than fact.

Most students with epilepsy never meet other students with seizures. They feel isolated, alone and embattled and often suffer from low self-esteem. Many don't ever know what a seizure looks like.

The answer often lies in sharing and making friends with others in a similar situation. And it is often the outdoors, filled with exciting new experiences, that allows this to happen.

Remember

Students with epilepsy can come to terms with their condition.
Accept that in most cases people with epilepsy lead regular lives.
Epilepsy should not stop you from studying or achieving success.
Most educational instutions have assistance and services for those who need it.
Students generally should be accepting that epilepsy is not something to be feared.

You can learn more about epilepsy at Understanding Epilepsy.

Has this information helped you? Then why not help us Make a Difference.

1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)
Australia wide Priority Call