A learning module for Rose Tree Media
School District Staff
What is a seizure?
A seizure results from a
person experiencing
abnormal electrical
impulses in some area of
the brain. This abnormal
activity may result in
unusual sensations,
twitching, uncontrollable
muscle spasms, a loss of
consciousness, and
uncontrolled urination or
bowel movement.
Is a seizure the same as
epilepsy?
Some people use the term seizure and
epilepsy interchangeably. A seizure is a
symptom of epilepsy and one or more
recurrent seizures because of a brain disorder
is termed epilepsy. You may hear other terms
that refer to a seizure such as; generalized
tonic-clonic, attacks, grand mal, petit mal,
absence, or convulsions. There are at least 32
different types of seizures.
What are the
classifications of
seizures?
Partial seizure
This seizure originates in specific parts
of the brain.
Generalized Seizure
This seizure spreads to all areas of
the brain.
Did you know?
Epilepsy is not a form of mental illness.
• Students are not always aware they are having a
seizure and will not remember what happened.
• Some students may have an “aura” before a
seizure and notice the smell of burnt rubber, hear
music, or experience sudden feelings of joy or
sadness.
• Medications may cause drowsiness, inattention,
concentration difficulties, and behavior changes.
• Seizure activity, without obvious physical
symptoms, can still affect learning.
• Students with epilepsy are more likely to suffer
from low self-esteem.
• School difficulties for students with epilepsy are
not always related to the disease of epilepsy.
•
Half of all causes of seizures are
unknown and the other half are
due to injury or disease. Causes
may include:
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Infection
Low blood sugar
Poisoning
A lack of oxygen
Strokes
Fever
Heredity
Head Trauma
What can trigger a seizure?
Missed medication
• Stress, anxiety
• Fatigue/lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Alcohol or recreational
drugs
• Drug interactions
• Exertion/overheated
• Poor diet
• Flashing lights or loud
noises
•
How are seizures
controlled?
•
Medications-Antiepileptic drugs
(AED)
(80% of epileptics are seizure free on medication)
Surgery
• Ketogenic diet
• Vagus Nerve Therapy
(VNS)
•
How can I help if
someone
experiencing a seizure?
Most seizures will stop
naturally and will last
from a few seconds to a
few minutes.
Do
•Turn on side
•Try to time the seizure with a watch.
•Check for a medical I.D.
•Loosen clothing
•Protect from injury (remove any sharp or
solid object)
•Cushion the head and remove glasses.
•Stay until the seizure is over and offer
help.
•Stay calm and ask others to leave the
area.
•Check to see if the airway is open (if
necessary, grip the person’s jaw and tilt
his/her head back).
Don’t
•Don’t put anything in the person’s mouth.
•Don’t hold the person down.
•Don’t shake or shout at the person.
•Don’t give the person anything to eat or
drink.
•Don’t leave the person alone. It is not
uncommon for a person to be confused or
tired after a seizure.
What if a student in a
wheelchair has a seizure?
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Secure the wheelchair to prevent
movement.
Loosely fasten the seatbelt.
Do not remove the student from
wheelchair unless absolutely necessary.
Protect and support the head.
Allow secretion to flow from the mouth
and check to see that breathing is
unobstructed.
Pad the wheelchair to prevent injuries.
Should I
call
emergency
services in
the event
of a
seizure?
In most cases a seizure is
not a medical emergency,
but in some situations it
may be appropriate to call
for emergency services.
Call 911 if:
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Any injury or sickness
Difficulty breathing or no breathing
A pregnant or diabetic person
A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
Consecutive seizures or a slow
recovery
A first time seizure
If you are not sure what to do
Living with Epilepsy
Most activities and sports are safe for
students with epilepsy, but contact
sports like football or hockey might be
wise to avoid. Other activities such as,
swimming, sailing, or bike riding may
need some supervision.
Most states do not issue a driving license
unless a person can document that he/
she has been seizure-free for a certain
period of time.
As many as 325,000 school aged
children have a seizure disorder.
By providing open communication
between home and school, the
help of medication, diet, and or
surgical intervention, most of
these children can go to school
and fully participate in school
activities.
Always Remember !
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Remain with the person until he or
she is fully alert
Keep calm
Reassure the person after the
seizure is over
Students with epilepsy benefit
when the family and school
work together sharing
information about seizure
recognition, first aid and
medication.
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org