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Better Understanding Seizures

Understanding Seizures

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Page 1: Understanding Seizures

Better Understanding Seizures

Better Understanding Seizures

Page 2: Understanding Seizures

Epilepsy is….

• a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures• seizures are a brief temporary disturbance in the

electrical system of the brain • is not contagious or a mental illness• very well controlled with medications

Page 3: Understanding Seizures

• Absence (also known as petit mal)• Complex Partial • Tonic Clonic (also known as grand Mal)

Types of Seizures

Page 4: Understanding Seizures

Incidence Rate for Seizures

• 1:100 people in the general population• 1:50 people under the age of 18

(potentially 1 student in each standard size

bus) • 1:3 students with a developmental disability

(highly likely in special ed bus fleet)

Page 5: Understanding Seizures

Absence Seizures (petit mal)

• most common type of seizure in primary and elementary school students

• characterized by blank stare• unresponsive to outside stimulus• automatic behaviors(lip smacking, picking

at clothes)• lasts a matter of seconds

Page 6: Understanding Seizures

First Aid for Absence Seizures

• Protect from harm• Observe ( frequency, how long)• Document (when, how often)• Report ( school nurse/administrator)

Page 7: Understanding Seizures

Complex Partial Seizures

• student is not aware of their surroundings• mobility is maintained• student may resist any attempt at restraint• lasts 2-4 minutes

Page 8: Understanding Seizures

First Aid: Partial Seizures

• pull bus over and stop as soon as it is safely possible

• contact dispatch• guard from harm (sharp objects, stairs)• allow student to move (do not restrain)• Make sure student is dropped off with a

responsible adult

Page 9: Understanding Seizures

Tonic Clonic Seizures (grand mal)

• convulsive activity• grinding motion of teeth• shallow breathing• unaware of surroundings• fluids from mouth• typically lasts 2-4 minutes (can last much

longer

Page 10: Understanding Seizures

First Aid: Tonic Clonic Seizures

• pull over & stop bus as soon as safe• contact dispatch• protect from harm • keep airway clear(roll on side across bench)• do not force anything in mouth• time seizure• leave with responsible adult

Page 11: Understanding Seizures

Issues Requiring 911 Assistance

• first time seizures• cluster seizures (occurring back to back)• seizures that last more than 5 minutes• student is injured, pregnant or has diabetes• if distance to 911 is unknown (rural areas,

field or athletic trips)

Page 12: Understanding Seizures

Special Issues to Consider

• wheelchair vs mobile• use of diastat• keeping others students calm and safe• prepare Seizure Action Plan in IEP• coordinate closely with dispatch throughout

Page 13: Understanding Seizures

Resources

• Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia

(800) 527-7105 www.epilepsyga.org

• www.epilepsyclassroom.com

• www.epilepsy.com