Dealing with Epilepsy and Seizures in the schools Presented by… Laura Kirkpatrick, RN Madison County Schools

What is Epilepsy? zIt is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by a tendency for recurrent seizures. zA diagnosis is usually made if the person has had two or more seizures that are unaccompanied by fever or illness zIt is sometimes referred to as a seizure disorder.

What are seizures? zThey are sudden, brief attacks of altered consciousness, motor activity, sensory phenomena, or inappropriate behavior. zThey are associated with abnormal electrical discharges within the brain.

The four common types of Seizures zAbsence zGeneralized tonic-clonic zSimple partial zComplex partial

Absence Seizures zConsist of sudden, brief loss of consciousness (1 to 10 seconds) zInvolve large areas of the brain zMay be mistaken for daydreaming zLearning may be severely affected zMay include staring spells, eye blinking, and mild facial twitching zFormerly called Petit Mal Seizures

Generalized tonic-clonic zInvolve a loss of consciousness,followed by stiffening for a few seconds(tonic phase), followed by jerking for a few seconds(clonic phase) zLast usually from 1-3 minutes. zAffects the whole body zWhen awakens, usually sleepy or confused

Generalized tonic-clonic cont. zUsually happens without warning, may fall zMay make sounds, bite tongue,drool, or become temporarily incontinent z Breathing may be irregular z May be bluish in color

Simple Partial zFormerly known as focal motor, focal sensory, or Jacksonian seizure zThe person is aware of the seizure, consciousness is not impaired z Symptoms include.. yMotor(hand or mouth movement) yFocal motor (head and eyes deviated to one side) yAuditory(a loud rushing noise heard by the person having a seizure)

Complex Partial zImpairs consciousness(may be partially aware or have a distortion of consciousness) z Symptoms vary from person to person, but are usually the same each time for the student that has had it before

Planning for Effective Seizure Management zIdentify students with Epilepsy, and find out their symptoms, med. schedule, etc. zHave a meeting with parents, student, teacher, nurse, etc. zDevelop an EAP to follow in case of seizure zShare with appropriate staff

Procedure for Managing a Seizure zDetermine if the student is having a seizure yremember the signs and symptoms zRemain calm ythis will help everyone around to act rationally z Gently protect student from injury yIf there is a risk for fall, then assist student to ground yClear area of hard or sharp objects yDo NOT try to restrain student or place anything in their mouth, protect their head

Procedure for Managing a Seizure cont… zDo not offer food or drink until student has fully regained consciousness zStay with student until they are fully aware zIt is rarely necessary to call EMS unless xstudent does not start breathing after seizure xseizure last more than 5 mins. (in a student with known disorder) xStudent has become seriously injured xHaving frequents seizures, one after another

Procedure for Managing a Seizure cont. zOnce fully aware, provide reassurance and reorient student xDisorientation can last for several mins following a seizure zReport seizure to parent and school nurse

Questions? zView sample EAP