Epilepsy and Seizures

Students with epilepsy should be able to participate safely in physical education class and athletics unless their doctors tell them to restrict certain activities. Vigorous physical activity is not associated with an increase in seizures. People with epilepsy should be supervised or accompanied by nonepileptic friends during certain activities, such as swimming and climbing, that could result in serious injury if a seizure occurred. At school, gym staff should be notified if there are students with epilepsy in their classes, and they should be instructed about what to look for and how to manage a seizure if one occurs. Safety is a concern in all school programs, and that includes courses such as shop as well as physical education.

Most high school students worry about their grades. Teens with epilepsy may worry even more about academic performance if they also have learning problems. Such learning problems include being unable to stay focused on work, having trouble following directions, and missing things that the teacher says. This can be because of the epilepsy itself or the effects of antiseizure medications. Some students with epilepsy get help from special education services or extra tutoring. Others benefit from techniques such as writing lists of things to remember or reviewing audio cassettes or videotapes of lessons. Keeping a journal can also be an effective way to remember things, and families can also help with reminders. If you have epilepsy, remember to tell your doctor about any problems you are having in school.