Is it safe to be left alone in a room.

[Redarrow1204]

I'm a student at a college and recently diagnosed with epilepsy, according to my college it is safe for me to be left alone in a classroom, I was led to believe that it is far from safe, can anyone give me any idea what is supposed to be done in this situation because my college are being awkward?

[Adlon57]

Unfortunately a lot of things have to be taken into consideration. Get yourself a epilepsy specialist, ask your GP who should be able to get you contact details. Join a local epilepsy action group. Despite what people think we have intelligence, we can think for ourselves. If you have epilepsy what kind is it? How many do you have, do you have auras before a seizure, a premonition of an impending seizure. If you are taking medication become aware of the side effects these can cause? Do you have any members of your family close by, or ready contact, always handy in case the worse happens. There is a lot of old codswallop attached to people with epilepsy, make sure your university of the REALITY of your condition. You obviously have intelligence, to actually get there! I have JME epilepsy, over 400+ seizures, now retired, but had my own genealogy business, attained a BA Humanities in history, a qualified chef, so stick at it!👍👍

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi As everyone with epilepsy is different, whether someone can be left alone will depend on their own situation. For example are they still having seizures, how like is it a seizure may happen during the day.

Many universities will outline your needs in a student support document which can be shared with your teaching team. You can use this document to discuss your support needs with your tutors. Ask your disability adviser if the university provides this type of document.

At this meeting you could discuss:

• What type of seizures you have and what happens during them

• How frequent your seizures are

• How to deal with a seizure and what support you need afterwards

• When a seizure becomes an emergency

• Any triggers for your seizures

• Any patterns for your seizures

If you are cannot find the information you need, contact student support services at the university, who will be able to help.

Regards

Diane

Helpline Team

[Redarrow1204 in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

the college i am at are aware of the different types of seizures that I have, due to the fact that they have witnessed seven in the last two months due to them happening on site, they have told me that I cant be left alone, yet they then proceed to leave me in a room alone.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action in reply to Redarrow1204]

HiIf the college is not following your support document, talk to the disability adviser about this. They should be able to help make sure you receive the support you need.

If it would help to discuss this further with us, you can phone the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 7.00pm, Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team