Migraine at school
The school principal, class teacher and/or school nurse should be informed of a child's susceptibility to migraine. This will ensure that proper action is taken in the event of an attack i.e. that a child is allowed to lie down in a darkened room and take mild soluble pain killing drugs if necessary. It will also minimize disruption to a child's school routine.Most schools co-operate very well with whatever treatment has been suggested to parents. Teachers/nurses may prefer to 'hold' younger children's medication and give it on request. It may be appropriate for older children to carry their own medication and take an emergency supply of appropriate tablets when necessary. Every effort should be made to retain a normal routine and, where possible, avoid having to send the child home from school.
Reasonable Accommodations During State Exams
In extreme circumstances, if a student suffers with migraine, special arrangements can be made to facilitate candidates taking state examinations. The school needs a letter from the student's GP/Consultant before approaching the State Examinations Commission.The arrangements that can be made, depending on the individual circumstances, include:
- Allowing a student to sit the exam on their own with their own superintendent . Providing a tape recorder to record the answers if the candidate cannot write due to an attack
- Allowing a delayed examination start time. The start of the examination may be delayed provided the candidate has not had contact with other candidates or any person who may have had sight of the question paper or have knowledge of the question paper contents. Where the start of the examination is delayed the candidate may be allowed the full time specified for the examination. Candidates may not, however, take an examination on a later date under any circumstances.
