1. Epilepsy Annabelle Moesch

2. Epilepsy is not contagious !!

3. Types of Epilepsy Primary Generalized Seizures Absence Seizures: Brief episodes of staring a.Lasts about 10-20 seconds Tonic Seizures: Muscles Tense a.Usually happen during sleep b.Lasts about 20 Clonic Seizures: Repeated jerking movements a.Length Varies Tonic-clonic Seizures: AKA Grand-mal: POSSIBABLY THE SCAREST: Muscles stiffen, begins jerking, bites tongue (think fish out of water) a.Last 1-3 minutes, at times 5 or more. b.Afterwards they usually fall into a deep sleep Partial Seizures Simple Partial seizures: Differ from person to person Complex Partial Seizures: Affect alertness and awareness, A “nobody is home expression.” There are so many kinds of seizures that are still updating their thinking and how to classify them!!

4. If at all possible, try to have a brief conversation about epilepsy with children. Work it into a lesson plan… Misconceptions hurt feelings…

5. Epilepsy and the Classroom… Keep first aid kit handy Have an emergency plan ready Avoid having any flashing lights in the classroom. Have soft objects within the classroom. Have a phone within easy access Accommodations for students diagnosed with epilepsy… Place the child away from blunt/hard objects during each class period. Have child's desk at an easy access point

6. What to do.. Remain Calm! Place the person on the softest area available Remove glasses from the child’s face if they wear them. Place something soft under the persons head. Lay them on one of their sides. This is incase they throw up. Prevents choking Do your best not restrain the person. DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS OR ANY OBJECTS IN THE PERSONS MOUTH! THEY WILL BITE YOUR FINGERS OFF! Call 911 as soon as possible or send a child for help. Stay with the person until they awaken, seizures stops, and/or until help arrives. You can never be prepared enough…

7. Resources: http://www.epilepsy.com/ Googleimages.com FYI: November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!