Better 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

• Absence (also known as petit mal)

• Complex Partial

• Tonic Clonic (also known as grand Mal)

Types of 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)

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

First Aid for Absence Seizures

• Protect from harm

• Observe ( frequency, how long)

• Document (when, how often)

• Report ( school nurse/administrator)

Complex Partial Seizures

• student is not aware of their surroundings

• mobility is maintained

• student may resist any attempt at restraint

• lasts 2-4 minutes

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

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

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

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)

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

Resources

• Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia

(800) 527-7105 www.epilepsyga.org

• www.epilepsyclassroom.com

• www.epilepsy.com