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EPILEPSY AND CEREBRAL PALSY.
A. EPILEPSY.
(a) Children.
All children at the age of 2 years and upwards brought to the notice of the Authority
as suffering from epilepsy are normally referred to the School Health Service for examination
and possible ascertainment under the provision of the Education Act, 1944.
In those cases in which the epilepsy is of a sufficient degree to require ascertainment
and special educational treatment, arrangements are made, where necessary, for the
child's admission to either a day or a residential school.
The following table shows the number of children between the ages of 2 years and 16
years who are known to be suffering from the defect:-
In attendance at ordinary schools 54
In attendance at Day Special School 2
In attendance at a Residential Special School 4
(b) Adults.
It is at present impossible to ascertain the true total incidence of epilepsy as it is
known that in the majority of such cases the epilepsy is of a slight degree, adequately
controlled by medication, and the individual concerned is following normal employment,
with little if any limitation in his activities. As regards the more severe type of case,
admission to an Epileptic Colony or other form of residential accommodation is arranged by
the Welfare Department under Part III of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
No new cases were admitted to residential accommodation during the year, but 30 cases
previously placed were under the care of the Welfare Department at the end of the year in
the following institutions:-
Forest House 21
Chalfont Epileptic Colony 4
St. Elizabeth's School and Home for
Epileptics, Much Hadham 2
Meath Home for Epileptics, Godalming, Surrey 2
Lingfield Epileptic Colony 1
In some further cases known to this Department, the epilepsy is associated with a
degree of mental deficiency, and such cases are placed under supervision in accordance
with the provisions of the Mental Deficiency Acts if the degree of mental deficiency has
not necessitated institutional care.
B. CEREBRAL PALSY.
(a) Children.
The same procedure for the examination and ascertainment of children suspected of,
or suffering from cerebral palsy is adopted as in the case of epilepsy, specialist opinion,
investigation and treatment being obtained, as necessary. The following are the number of
children between the ages of 2 years and 16 years who are known to be suffering from this
defect:-
Pre-school children 7
School children:
in attendance at Day Special Schools for
Physically Handicapped Children 7
(b) Adults.
As, in the case of epilepsy, the condition is not notifiable, the true incidence in
the community cannot be determined, but as regards those cases registered as disabled
persons, suitable employment is arranged so far as is possible in conjunction with the
Hospital Authorities and other agencies, the Welfare Department, and the District
Rehabilitation Officer of the Ministry of Labour and National Service.
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