2. SEIZURES Brief episodes of disorderly electrical activity in the brain which affects its normal functions and produces changes in a person’s movements, behavior, or consciousness.

3. DID YOU KNOW? Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures about 2.7 million people in the U.S. have some form of Epilepsy. 200,000 new cases are reported each year. 50% of people with epilepsy develop seizures by age 25; however anyone can get epilepsy at any time. In 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

4. TYPES OF SEIZURES Generalized tonic- clonic (grand mal) Myoclonic Atonic Absence Infantile spasms Simple partial Complex partial

5. ABSENCE SEIZURES Very brief, last only a few seconds, and look like a blank stare, or daydreaming. The person is completely unaware of his surroundings. They begin and end suddenly.

6. TONIC-CLONIC SEIZURES Person blanks out, falls, stiffens, then jerks uncontrollably for a minute or two.

7. SEIZURE TRIGGERS Missed or late medication Stress and anxiety Poor diet or missed meals Lack of sleep or fatigue Overheating or overexertion Hormonal changes Recreational drug use/abuse Medication interactions Hyperventilation Flashing lights

8. Stay calm Time the seizure Turn student on their side if possible Cushion the head Call 911 if the student does NOT have a history of seizures, OR if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes OR if the student stops breathing FIRST AID FOR SEIZURES

9. HOW TO HELP Move potentially harmful objects away from student DO NOT put anything in the mouth DO NOT try to hold student down Remove onlookers As seizure ends, offer help and assurance Notify parents

10. AFTER THE SEIZURE The time immediately after a seizure is called the post-ictal phase. During this time the person may be: confused, lethargic, have sore muscles, be shaky, sweating or have an increased heart rate. This phase can last for a few minutes to several hours.

11. IN THE CLASSROOM oBe familiar with the needs of your students with chronic illnesses. oReview their health care plans to be prepared to assist in an emergency. oDocument seizure activity (duration, characteristics) in the student’s log attached to the health care plan. oBe sure substitutes are aware of student’s health concerns oCall your school nurse with specific questions

12. Resources Epilepsy Foundation Northwest- www.epilepsynw.org Spokane office (509) 325-1128 www.epilepsynw.org Epilepsy Therapy Project www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy_therapy_p roject