Shaking, Staring and Twitching: Learning About Seizures and Epilepsy

This class will examine what a seizure really is by describing the neurohormonal activity of the brain, that is, how hormones and electrical impulses work together to make our brain function. By understanding the normal, students will gain an appreciation for what a seizure is, as it represents a disruption of normal brain activity. They will then learn the distinction between a seizure and epilepsy. We will learn about various types of seizures, a few causes of seizures and the symptoms and signs of the various types. They will understand the difference between what we see and what the patient experience is like during a seizure. I will also help them gain an appreciation for the challenges sometimes faced when living with an epileptic syndrome. To close we will learn an overview of some tools used in diagnosis such as the EEG (electroencephalogram) and finally, test their knowledge of being able to identify a particular type of seizure! It is my hope that through this class, learners gain factual insight into seizures and epilepsy that will inform how they interact.

My classes are always fun and casual, as this is my teaching style. I encourage free talking and discussion but also create a comfortable environment for the quiet and shy amongst us; you can talk as little or as much as you want! I use conversation, slides and review games to impart the knowledge and encourage questions throughout. You need no prior knowledge to take this course! Please message me if you have any questions!

The general structure of the sessions will be:
5 minutes introductions/icebreaking/initial questions/describing session objectives
40 minutes covering main topics as seen below (questions will be taken throughout)
5 minutes learners describing what they learnt for the day to ensure clarity

The topics will include:
What is a Seizure?
What is Epilepsy?
Types of Seizures- Focal, generalised, simple, complex, status epilepticus
What we see vs what patients feel/know
How seizures are managed (general overview): EEG, precautions, medication

If you want a better understanding of what seizures are and what happens when people have epilepsy then this class is for you!