Diagnosing and Solving School Learning Disabilities in Epilepsy: Part 2: a List of Causes (Education‪)‬

The possible causes of learning difficulties in children with epilepsy are long and complex. In order to see that your child is given an adequate evaluation it is necessary that you understand what these many causes are. You also need some understanding of how those causes may be interrelated. I have divided the causes into six categories: Organic, Seizures, Medications, Classroom, Student, and Family Life. "Organic" refers to learning problems caused by the underlying brain disturbance itself. Epilepsy is just a symptom of an underlying brain disturbance and that same disturbance can give rise to both seizures and other problems, including learning disabilities. "Seizures" refers to the learning problems that can be attributed to actual seizure activity in the brain. "Medications" refers to the side effects medications may have that interfere with learning and memory, especially if they are dosed at too high a level. "Classroom" refers to the teacher and social situations in the classroom that may detract from the student's ability to learn. This can include fears, misconceptions, and discrimination. "Student" refers to the student's own characteristics, for example their attitudes towards the teacher, the subject, and the fears the student may have regarding his seizures. "Family Life" refers to the situations in the home that affects the student's ability and willingness to learn and also includes homework habits. Organic