Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-05-17
EPILEPTIC CHILDREN
BY H. Arlington Bruce
~ ONTRARY to the belize widely held by
parents Of children afflicted with ep-

parents Of children afflicted with ep-
ilepsy, it is important to rear the little
epileptics with due regard to discipline.
The natural tendency, of course, is to be
extra-indulgent toward such unfortunates.
And, in fact, there is prevalent idea that it
they are permitted to run Wild and do pref
| ty much as they please their epileptic attacks
will come less frequently.
Back of this idea is the undeniable circum-
stance that if epileptics ares excited or irrl-
tated in any way there. is likely to be an in
crease both in the frequency and severity OF
convulsive seizuers. But to discipline child
is not necessarily to excite or irritate him.
Everything depends on the disciplinary meth
DDS adopted.
And certainly if discipline is neglected self
control will be weakened. Then any small
unpleasantness may evoke storm of excite
ment and irritability, with greater liability TO
commissions as a result.
Whence it may be truly said that, more
than most children, epileptics need to be
taught to keep their feelings and desires I'M
der control.
Also more than most children epileptics
need to be taught and helped to keep their
minds pleasurably occupied. Not mental in
activity, but mental activity, is beneficial to
them. This, again, is contrary to popular be-
lief.
But it is amply borne out by the expert
ence of those who have had most to do with
the care of epileptics. 1.-THE epileptic child is
the typical assertion of DR.. Alan McDougall,
director of large school for epileptic boys,
needs not brain rest, but brain occupation"
And:
School education forms very important
part of the treatment of epilepsy in the
young
Only, far more than in the case of normal
children, care must be taken to make the
schooling of epileptics interesting to them.
IT rnth no +
lively guided to a real love of study.
At the same time, because of the great i'm
portance of keeping them physically in as
good condition as possible, they should spend
more time outdoors than indoors. g
From certain bodily recreations the nature
of their malady automatically debars them.
Without inspiring in them an overfunctionlng
of the fear instinct, parents should tactfully
make it clear that they re not to swim, ride
a bicycle, or climb trees or ladders. The oc-
currence of an attack while doing any OF
these things might have fatal consequences.
| There are many other ways, however, by
which epileptic children may safely gain both
recreation and exercise. They can dance and
they can race. They can play such games as
baseball, football and tennis.
Neither in play nor in school work should
they be permitted to over-fatigue themselves.
Over-fatigue is peculiarly conducive to ep1lep-
tic seizures. So is over-eating. Consequently
sufferers from epilepsy should hav a suffi-
cheney of really nourishing food, but never
more than a suf1ciency-with a minimum Of
m eats, sweets, fats, and hot breads.
Finally, but not of least Importance, every
bodily defect-such as dental abnormallt1es,
weak eyes, a1enoid growths-should be cor
rected. Such defects may not be merely con-
tributory but exciting ~Auses in the produc-
ton of epilt tic symptoms.
Copyright, 1921, by The Associated
Newspapers.)