Simulating Real Life:Epilepsy A Battle Between Mind and BodyPresentation By:Paul D. Acquaro

OutlineIdentify EpilepsyDiscuss Two Particular TypesIntroduce Person with the DisorderHear from Family as to effects of Disorder on family lifeHear from Co-workers as to effect on professional life

OutlineDiscuss what to do for someone having a seizureHear from people who have observed a seizureDiscuss effects of treatmentsAssistive TechnologyQuestions and Answers

Getting StartedSeizures are episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention and/or behavior. They are caused by abnormal electrical excitation in the brain (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000694.htm).

What is Epilepsy?Epilepsy is a disorder in which a person experience seizures or episodes of abnormal brain function that occur on a regular basis.There are five types of seizures:Tonic-Clonic SeizuresTonic SeizuresAbsence SeizuresComplex SeizuresSimple Partial Seizures

Experiencing Two TypesTonic Clonic: also known as grand mal seizures these seizures often are characterized by loss of consciousness, bladder control, twitching of muscles and brief periods of confusion. Absence Seizures: also known as petit mal seizures these seizures are characterized by loss of consciousness, apparent day dreaming, and flushness in complexion.

Case StudyPaul D. Acquaro32 years old, married for seven yearsFather of a 3 week old babyRetired Naval OfficerCause of seizure disorder is believed to be from Brain Tumors and subsequent surgeries in February 2001 and May 2003.

Interviews with Case Study and WifeA brief interview from me explainingThe types of seizuresHow seizures have effected my lifeWhat to do if you witness seizure Video Clip 7

Interviews with WifeMy loving, supportive and understanding wife:Stacey Munsky AcquaroVideo clips 3 and 4

Interviews at WorkDean of StudentsJane OwenVideo Clip 1 part 1Director of Student LifeRachael LernerVideo Clip 1 part 2

How can you help?Be mindful of the students warning signs and auras.Support the students use of a proper identification regarding their disorder (id bracelets).Encourage the student or the student parents to visit the class and talk about the disorder.

How can you help?On the onset make the student comfortable such as a pillow under the head, loosening tight clothing or removing sharp objects from area around the student.Do not place anything in or near the students mouth.During the seizure keep other students calm.During the seizure make room for the student.

How can you help?Send a student to get the school nurse.Pay attention and note any attributes of the seizure so that the student may provide documentation to their doctor.

Interviews with WitnessesAssociate Director of Student LifeDavid OwyeroVideo Clip 4, 5 and 8Student Assistant and FriendRobert GrecoVideo Clip 9

What a person with seizures can do as a precaution.There are countless numbers of medications for epilepsy. The students doctor will work with the student to come up with the best medication. Some medications are: Nueronton, trileptal, depakote, pamalor, topamax, elival, etc.It is important to understand however a side effect of all seizure disorder medication is lethargy.

Assistive TechnologyOne relatively new option is the implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator which is used to assist in the stimulation of the brain in cases where medication has not provided satisfactory control of the seizures.

Assistive TechnologyThe VNS Therapy System delivers VNS Therapy in two ways.First, a doctor programs a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week "dose" of periodic stimulation. The second way VNS Therapy is delivered is when a patient, a family member or a caregiver senses a seizure coming on and passes the magnet over the area in the chest where the generator is implanted to activate an extra, on-demand stimulation (VNS Therapy, 2005).

ConclusionSome friends and family have at times used my disorder as the brunt of jokes and cause for hostility, but I have come to deal with it. At times my situation is frustrating not only because of I sometimes feel weakened in my abilities but also because I feel as though I am a burden on others. This is because of my not being able to drive, hold the baby at times and in situations when I wake up to find I might have embarrassed myself.I have learned that the smile on my childs face is all I need to have to feel better.

Helpful Linkswww.epilepsyfoundation.org/longisland/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000694.htmhttp://www.tiresias.org/guidelines/seizure_disorders.htmhttp://www.vnstherapy.com

ResourcesMedline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2006 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000694.htm. VNS Therapy Patient Essentials. (2005). Cyberonics, INC. Houston, Texas.

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