Protect the "little stars" on campus! Get this popular science guide to childhood epilepsy!

Entering the campus, you will see smiling faces full of vitality. Among these lovely children, there are some special "little stars" - they suffer from childhood epilepsy.

In order to ensure that children with epilepsy can learn happily in a safe and inclusive environment, Xu Lin, deputy chief physician of the Pediatrics Department of Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital), took us to learn about scientific knowledge about childhood epilepsy, and together we can create a blue sky for the "little stars".

1. Understanding childhood epilepsy

Childhood epilepsy is a chronic disease caused by abnormal discharges of brain neurons. It does not affect the child's intellectual development, but may suddenly occur at any time and anywhere, manifested by symptoms such as short-term loss of consciousness, convulsions, and abnormal sensations.

Importantly, epilepsy is not a contagious disease and cannot be spread to other students through contact.

2. School Preparation and Adaptation

1. Home-school communication

Parents should communicate fully with school teachers and school doctors, explain their child’s condition, treatment measures during an attack, and daily precautions, to ensure that the school can provide appropriate attention and support.

2. Personalized learning plan

Based on the child's condition, work with the teacher to develop a flexible study plan to avoid epileptic seizures caused by overwork.

3. Safe environment

Schools should ensure that classrooms, playgrounds and other areas have no sharp corners to reduce the risk of accidental injuries. At the same time, an emergency contact mechanism should be set up to ensure that help can be obtained quickly in the event of an incident.

3. Understanding and Care among Classmates

1. Popularization of education

Through class meetings or health education classes, popularize epilepsy knowledge to the whole class, eliminate misunderstandings and fears, and cultivate empathy.

2. Positive guidance

Students are encouraged to treat classmates with epilepsy with a normal attitude, without discrimination or ridicule, but instead give more care and encouragement.

3. Mutual Aid Group

A group can be formed to pair students with epilepsy with a few friends so that they can provide quick help in an emergency.

IV. Daily Management and Self-Protection

1. Regular work and rest schedule

Ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding staying up late will help stabilize the condition.

2. Diet adjustment

Eat a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of caffeine, sugar and other foods that may induce epilepsy.

3. Carry medication with you

Teach your children how to use anti-epileptic drugs correctly. They need to take anti-epileptic drugs for long-term treatment strictly under the guidance of a doctor and must not reduce or stop the medication without permission.

If the medication is not used properly, it may worsen the condition and be detrimental to recovery. If you experience obvious discomfort after taking the medication, such as nausea, vomiting, etc., you need to inform your doctor immediately and review and adjust the treatment plan in time. And carry an emergency card with you, indicating your condition, emergency contact person and other information.

4. Emotional management

Encourage children to express their emotions, provide psychological counseling when appropriate, and reduce psychological pressure.

V. Emergency measures to deal with outbreaks

1. Stay calm

When you notice a classmate having an attack, first stay calm and don't panic.

‌2. Protect safety‌

Quickly remove hard objects around to prevent injury; place the child on his side with his head tilted to one side to prevent choking on vomit.

‌3. Don’t press forcefully

Do not try to force your child's limbs to avoid fractures or muscle injuries.

4. Record time

Pay attention to the duration of the attack. If it does not subside within 5 minutes, call the emergency number immediately.

5. Post-event care

After an attack, comfort the child, help him or her calm down, and notify the parents or school doctor in time.

Let us work together to create a warm, understanding and supportive learning environment for the "little stars" on campus, allowing them to grow freely in the sun and shine their own light.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tang Qiong, Pediatrics, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

Follow @湖南医聊 to get more health science information!

(Edited by YT)