What is epilepsy 

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. 

Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms. 

Epilepsy can start at any age, but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60. 

It's often lifelong, but can sometimes get slowly better over time. Epilepsy - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

 

Living and studying with epilepsy  

As epilepsy can affect people in different ways, everyone's experience of living with the condition is different. But there are some general points that can help. Epilepsy - Living with - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Wherever you are studying it might be useful for other people to know about your epilepsy. This means they can help you if you have a seizure at school or college. But you may want to choose who you tell about your epilepsy. The important thing is to find a balance that you are happy with. School, college or university | Epilepsy Society 

 

Student Profiles 

Maximus De Vogele 

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I am Max and I am a first-year student studying BA (Hons) Computer Games Development and I have seizures.  I was worried about the transition from College to University and what support I would receive. However registering with the disability team at University was a huge starting point.  My Disability Adviser helped me through the whole process.  As I may require emergency medication administering for me whilst on campus, this resulted in the University implementing a new process of working with students who require emergency medication.  To me this is a huge positive that these measures are now in place.  This now allows me to concentrate on studying without worrying about my epilepsy.  Having access to a support worker with me whilst on campus and having a personal learning support plan in place gives me extra measures to aid with my academic career.  Knowing I have this support makes me feel less stressed and more motivated towards completing my degree. 

 

Emily

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My name is Emily and I am one of the first year students here at the University Of Huddersfield. Me having Epilepsy and applying for university was a nerve-wracking process to say the least, as I was anxious about what support would be available and how it would be able to help me in a way that was best fit to my needs. However, it was much simpler than what I initially thought it would be and was an extremely straight forward process. My disability advisor discussed with me the different support options that were available before creating a plan, meaning I was able to have a large amount of personal input.

Applying for university can be a stressful process and the uncertainty of what is to come can be daunting, I highly suggest reaching out to somebody whether it is to current students, your disability advisor, or your designated guidance team so you can try to gain more of an insight of what university life will involve and to ask any questions you may have. I also found using sources online were extremely helpful in helping me gain tips and advice, as well as being able to read personal accounts that people had shared of all different backgrounds and experiences, which truly inspired me and helped make me become more excited as it proved that attending university was most definitely not impossible. If you would like to check out the website, the link is the following: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk I wish you all the best of luck on your journey to becoming a university student, remember that help is always out there!

 

Student quotes 

Law student – would like to stay anonymous 

I am a law student, and I was recently diagnosed with seizures. The seizures are brought on by anxiety and occurs when I experience excessive amounts of stress. This affects my day-to-day life as it means that I have to be cautious in managing my stress levels. My condition also affects my studies as I am more likely to have a seizure when the work gets too overwhelming. There has been one instance where I have had a seizure in university during a lecture. However, I was pleased that the university provided so much support. I was given a Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP) which was sent to all of my tutors. The PLSP also included a procedure that my tutors will have to follow in the event of a seizure.  

The way in which I manage my seizures is by figuring out what is causing me stress and finding a solution. If it is a particular assignment I will then get in contact with the tutor and ensure that I receive some support on the assignment. Furthermore, I am in regular contact with the Business Guidance Team and the Disability Support Advisors, which are all really good at offering support. Whenever I have any academic issues, I contact them, and they help sort out any problems. They are also available if I ever want to chat about anything that is bothering or causing me stress. In addition, if I am feeling overwhelmed, I will take a break or some time out as it overall helps me work better.  

If you experience seizures do not be discouraged in applying to join university. University can be stressful, but it is important to remember that there is so much help and support that is available. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed speak to someone rather than worrying on your own." 

Principles relating to the administration of emergency medication 

 

Useful resources 

Young Epilepsy: Olivia Salvati on university living - YouTube 

Epilepsy, Driving and Going to Uni with Sam Nation - YouTube 

Being a student - The Epilepsy Space 

My experience of studying abroad with epilepsy - Epilepsy Scotland 

Types of Seizures | Epilepsy | CDC 

Young Epilepsy | Charity for Children and Young People with Epilepsy 

Emergency medication | Epilepsy Society 

How to help someone who is having a seizure (epileptic fit) #FirstAid #PowerOfKindness - Bing video 

Doctor Hilary gives crucial epilepsy first aid advice - Bing video 

First aid - Epilepsy Action