Epilepsy Factsheet (for Schools)
What Educators Should Know
People with epilepsy have repeated seizures. A seizure is caused by a surge of electrical activity in the brain. Most last only a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Most students with epilepsy can use medicine to control seizures. Usually, they can participate in school sports, gym class, and other activities, with appropriate supervision and precautions.
Challenges for Students With Epilepsy
During a seizure, students with epilepsy might:
- lose consciousness
- jerk or shake uncontrollably
- stare and not respond to anyone
Some seizures are so brief and minor that only careful observation can detect them — a student may simply blink or stare into space for a moment before going back to normal activity.
After a seizure, a student might be temporarily confused or unaware of their surroundings. Thay also may be tired, or even combative and agitated. This is called the postictal (post-IK-tul) phase. It usually lasts just a few minutes, but can be longer.
What Educators Can Do
Talk to your student and their parents about what happens when the student has a seizure. Ask about any “triggers” (such as fever, flashing lights, hunger, lack of sleep, or medicines) that can make a seizure more likely.
Make sure your student has a seizure action plan as part of their IEP or 504 education plan. Be prepared to respond in case of emergency. Most seizures are not life-threatening. But if one lasts longer than 5 minutes or your student seems to have trouble breathing, call 911 right away.
Also ask about any special instructions, such as whether the student:
- needs to go to the school nurse for medicines, or to rest if they feel a seizure coming on
- might have side effects from medicine
- needs to miss class time due to seizures or doctor visits
- needs to sit near the front of the classroom so teachers can watch for seizures
Other reminders:
- After a seizure, your student might need to go to the school nurse to lie down or go home for the day. You can help by providing extra time to make up any missed work or assignments.
- Focus on the student’s strengths in the classroom.
- Help build your student’s confidence by recognizing and appreciating their strengths — in math, sports, drama, art, or whatever else they enjoy.
- Provide support. If you think your student is feeling upset about having epilepsy or seizures, talk to them and their family about counseling options in school or in the community. Some school districts don’t require parents’ permission for a student to see a counselor at school while others do. Check your local school district’s policies.
