A seizure disorder, also known as epilepsy, is a neurological condition where a person experiences recurring, unprovoked seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to temporary disruptions in movement, awareness, or behaviour.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
- Flashing lights
- Illness or fever Understanding your personal triggers can help reduce the likelihood of seizures.
Yes, stress is a common trigger for seizures. Managing your time, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking support from academic advisers or counsellors can help reduce stress and lower the risk of seizure episodes.
If you feel a seizure coming on, try to find a safe place to sit or lie down. Inform a friend or classmate, if possible, and let them know what to do. The Youth Friendly Centre and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) staff are available to provide medical assistance if needed.
Friends or classmates should:
- Stay calm and move you to a safe area.
- Time the seizure and call for medical help if it lasts longer than five minutes.
- Turn you on your side to prevent choking, but not restrain you.
- Wait for the seizure to end and stay with you until you recover.
After a seizure, you may feel confused or tired. It’s important to rest and give yourself time to recover. If the seizure was severe or different from usual, you should visit the Youth Friendly Centre or speak with a healthcare provider at DHS.
Managing epilepsy involves:
- Taking prescribed medication regularly.
- Identifying and avoiding seizure triggers (e.g., stress, sleep deprivation).
- Communicating with your lecturers for any needed academic accommodations.
- Utilizing the health services at OOU for guidance and support.
Some lifestyle adjustments may help manage epilepsy, such as:
- Getting enough sleep.
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol and drugs.
- Managing stress. However, many students with seizure disorders live full and active lives with minimal changes.
Yes! Most students with seizure disorders can safely participate in many campus activities, including sports, clubs, and social events. However, it’s important to take precautions, avoid known triggers, and inform those around you about your condition for safety.
Seizure disorders, commonly referred to as epilepsy, affect millions of people worldwide, including many students here at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).
Living with a seizure disorder can be challenging, but with the right information, support, and self-care, students can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Seizure Disorder
A seizure disorder, or epilepsy, is a neurological condition where individuals experience recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
These seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can vary in type and intensity.
While some seizures are barely noticeable, others can lead to significant physical and cognitive changes, affecting day-to-day life.
Understanding Seizures
There are several types of seizures, and they impact people differently.
The most common types include:
- Generalised Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and include tonic-clonic (formerly grand mal) seizures, which involve loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- Focal Seizures: These begin in one part of the brain and can either cause mild confusion (focal aware seizures) or loss of awareness (focal impaired awareness seizures).
- Absence Seizures: Common in younger people, these involve brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming.
Living with a Seizure Disorder
If you are living with a seizure disorder, it’s essential to prioritise your health and safety while navigating university life.
Here are some practical steps to help manage epilepsy while studying at OOU:
1. Know Your Triggers
For many people with epilepsy, certain factors can trigger seizures.
These can include:
- Stress: Balancing academic work, social life, and personal responsibilities can be stressful. Managing your stress levels is crucial in reducing the likelihood of seizures.
- Sleep Deprivation: Staying up late to study or hang out with friends might seem normal in university life, but lack of sleep is a common trigger for seizures.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: These substances can lower the seizure threshold. It’s important to limit alcohol intake and avoid recreational drugs entirely.
- Flashing Lights: For some, exposure to flashing lights (photosensitive epilepsy) can provoke seizures.
Once you know your triggers, you can take proactive steps to avoid or manage them.
2. Adhere to Your Medication Use
If you’ve been prescribed anti-seizure medication, it’s vital to take it exactly as directed.
Missing doses or taking the wrong amount can increase your risk of seizures.
Set reminders on your phone, use pill organisers, or ask a friend to help keep you on track.
In case you experience any side effects or feel that your medication isn’t working, schedule an appointment with the healthcare professionals at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
They can offer guidance or refer you to a specialist if needed.
3. Communicate with Your Lecturers
It might feel uncomfortable to talk about your health condition with others, but your lecturers and academic advisers must know about your seizure disorder.
This can help ensure that you have the necessary accommodations, such as extra time during exams or flexibility with assignments, if you experience a seizure.
Most lecturers will be understanding and supportive when they’re aware of your situation.
4. Let Your Friends and Roommates Know
While it’s your decision who you choose to tell, it’s a good idea to inform your close friends, roommates, or study partners about your condition.
Knowing what to do in the event of a seizure can make a significant difference in how you recover from one.
You can guide them on simple steps like:
- Staying calm and moving you to a safe area.
- Timing the seizure and calling for medical help if it lasts longer than five minutes.
- Not restraining you, but turning you on your side to prevent choking.
5. Utilise the Youth Friendly Centre
The Youth Friendly Centre is a valuable resource for students with seizure disorders.
The centre provides access to healthcare professionals who can offer counsel and ensure you receive the necessary support.
Whether you need someone to talk to about your condition or help to navigate academic life, the centre is here.
6. Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
Living with epilepsy involves more than just managing seizures—it’s about living a healthy and balanced life. Some ways to maintain wellness include:
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can help regulate your energy levels and brain function.
- Exercise: Regular, moderate physical activity can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, consult with your doctor about which exercises are safe for you.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help you manage stress and stay centred.
Breaking the Stigma
Seizure disorders are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary stigma or discrimination.
It’s essential to foster a supportive and inclusive environment at OOU, where students feel comfortable discussing their health conditions without fear of judgment.
By raising awareness about epilepsy, we can break down the barriers that prevent students from seeking the help and support they need.
You Are Not Alone
Living with seizure disorder can feel isolating at times, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone.
Many students face similar challenges, and numerous support systems are in place at OOU to help you thrive.
Whether through peer support, medical services, or simply talking to a friend, know that the OOU community is here for you.
Together, we can create an environment where students with seizures feel empowered to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
