Epilepsy in Center EiZ/Epilepsy Counseling for Families and Their Environment in Styria

Background/Purpose: Myths and stereotypes still characterize the image of epilepsy and prevent inclusion. Families affected by epilepsy often know little about epilepsy, and educationists are often insecure. Children with epilepsy are often simply rejected at kindergartens and schools. Compared to children of the same age, children with epilepsy drop out of school more often, achieve a lower level of education, and are two to three times more likely to be unemployed later on. The difficulties at school burden children and parents, thus increasing depression and anxiety disorders.

Methods: Through need-based counseling, epilepsy consultants increase the health literacy of CWE and their families, and support them in coping with the disease. Workshops reduce the fears and uncertainties of educationists. Concerns of (elementary) educators and serious prejudices of facts are separated and practical solutions for the inclusions of children with epilepsy are developed.

A “round table” helps work out individual, practical solutions together with the affected family regarding handling of seizures, practical lessons, school trips, etc. Education and involvement of classmates is also a central point.

Results: Eight families and their environment (school, kindergarten, after-school care) were accompanied. From today's point of view, the inclusion was successful in six cases.

Conclusion: Myths about epilepsy are an integral part of many people's thinking. Advice by self-proclaimed epilepsy experts, who give incompetent advice from the tone of conviction and well-intentioned, is widespread and unsettles affected persons and their environment. Education for patients, families, and educationists is one of the most important tools to improve the knowledge about epilepsy and to fight discrimination. The most important tool is the personal conversation.

Evidence-based counseling serves as a complementary measure of health care and should be an integral part of the support after the initial diagnosis.

Publication History

Article published online:
28 October 2021