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: 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? 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: 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! 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