Educating your caregiver(s)

It is imperative that you share information with others who have the responsibility of caring for your child. You may want to share the link to this site so that they can learn about the condition, and its implications, themselves.

In cases of uncontrolled MAE, supervision is an important issue because there are a range of seizure types which may occur frequently on a daily basis, without any warning, putting the child at persistent risk of injury. A child with uncontrolled MAE usually requires 1:1 supervision and, in most circumstances, is eligible for 1:1 aide in the educational setting.

Specifically, for professional relationships with schools and formal carers, it is important that the organisation carries out a risk assessment to determine where your child has special needs and requirements to ensure his/her safety. Medical and safety issues should be included, so that all parties are aware of their responsibilities towards your child.

Anyone responsible for the care of your child should be provided with the following:

• Epilepsy Management Plan which details your child's ID numbers, emergency contacts, treating doctors, epilepsy diagnosis and description (including triggers, seizure patterns), current medication and is dated and signed.

• Epilepsy Emergency Action Plan which provides detailed instructions to carers for the management of your child in the event of a seizure. Different seizure types will call for different action/management from your carer. For example, a myoclonic jerk will be managed differently to a tonic-clonic seizure. Your EEAP should describe the action required for each of the different seizure types which your child experiences so carers are very clear about what is required of them. The action plan may also detail the most recent seizure events that have occurred.

u Click here to open as MS Word and write your own plans

In the event of an emergency, ALL of the important information about your child's condition is there in writing. You will need to update it regularly according to any changes in treatment or seizure patterns.

u See also Safety - Safety around water

u See also Safety - Protective helmets

u See also Safety - Protecting your child from injury

u See also Medical identification jewellery

TIP:  try to keep your plans on a single sheet (double-sided). Give a copy to your child's school, school nurse and teacher. Keep a copy in your wallet, by the telephone, in your car, and with at least one other emergency contact person. ¨