The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

School and Epilepsy

Fri, 07/13/2007 - 21:29
I've been reading on other posts asking about what it's like to have Epilepsy at school. So, here's my comment to all those who are dealing with Ep. When I was in 7th grade (age 13), I was having seizures, but didn't know it. At that time, I wasn't aware about seizures. I was made fun of by classmates. I would recall seeing flashing lights and feel my heart accelerating 'coz the fear kicks in on me. It's just a reflex. Anyway, one classmate would make fun of me by rolling his eyes up and pretend that he was seizing. Everyone would laugh. In highschool, my friends/classmates were a little more understanding. They would get scared when I get them, but it's understandable. At my Junior year of highschool, I was told by my doctor that I'm having seizures and was given Dilantin. By the way, I had to see many doctors to find out what's wrong with me. A lot of them were stumped until I found a doctor who was able to diagnose me correctly. In college, the added stress of school, began to affect my seizures. I was doing a lot of all nighters with my studies and reports that needed to be handed in by morning for certain classes. My doctor was telling me that too much stress isn't good for me and that I needed to cut back on my classes. So, instead of taking a full load of classes, I went to taking 2 classes. It decreased the seizure activity, but I wound up graduating much later than I would have liked. Well, at least I was able to get my diploma. It was a great accomplishment for me. So, my advice, to all the students dealing with Ep at school, is to not allow negative comments from anyone at school affect you. Just remember that these people are not educated in Ep. So, just turn a deaf ear on them and do what is more important......your schooling. Who knows in the future you may wind up having a way better paying job than them 'coz you were more studious than they were. I tell you education really pays off in the long run.

Comments

Re: School and Epilepsy

Submitted by MindyRoy on Thu, 2007-07-19 - 13:23
Thank you for your email. I have a 12yr. At first the kids were kind, but once she started having them daily, a few kids would make fun of her. Well...that is what she said. But I noticed that most of the kids really care for her. I am worried about school starting back up. She will be in 6th grade so it is not a big change, but she seems to have more szs during school. We will just have to wait and see. Take care!

Re: School and Epilepsy

Submitted by Sophs64833 on Sat, 2007-08-11 - 14:03
Thanks for the advice. it's really encouraging for me and I'm sure it's encouraging for others as well. It really shows that I too might be able to accomplish something in life. Ya, other non- understanding people can be so cruel. I've also been through that. Hope you're doing well. God bless. ~Sophs

Re: Re: School and Epilepsy

Submitted by seizuregirl on Sun, 2007-08-12 - 03:03
You're welcome :-) Seizuregirl "Life is what you make of it"

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.