Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures. A seizure occurs when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain caused by chemical changes in nerve cells. Seizures can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensations, and behavior. Before a seizure, some people experience warning symptoms like disorientation or strange feelings. During a seizure, people may lose awareness, have convulsions or tremors. After a seizure, there is typically a recovery period where people feel confused or tired as the brain returns to normal.

2. WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
 Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects
people of all ages.
 Epilepsy means the same as “seizure disorders”.
 Characterized by unpredictable seizures that can cause other health
problems.

3. WHAT IS A SEIZURE?
 A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain caused by
complex chemical changes that occur in nerve cells
 Usually affecting how a person appears or acts for a short time.
 Some seizures can hardly be noticed, while others are totally disabling.

4. WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE A SEIZURE
 Some people are aware of the beginning of a seizure by symptoms that
are common to them. On the other hand, some people may not be aware
of the beginning and therefore have no warning,
Common symptoms before a seizure
• Disorientation
• Day dreaming
• Blurry vision, or staring
• Confused, difficulty talking, drooling
• Numbness tingling
• Change in skin color ( pale, flushed)
• Lip smacking
• Strange feelings

5. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SEIZURE
• Loss of awareness, unconscious
• Unable to hear
• Flashing lights
• Numbness
• Difficulty talking
• Unable to swallow
• Tremors, twitching, or jerking movements
• Convulsions
• Loss of bladder control
• Pupils dilate
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart racing

6. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SEIZURE ENDS
As the seizure ends the recovery period begins. Some people recover
immediately while others may take minutes to hours to feel like their
usual self. The type of seizure as well as what part of the brain seizure
impacts, affects the recovery period.
Common symptoms after a seizure
• Slow responses
• Confused
• Memory loss
• Difficulty talking
• Headache or other pain
• Thirsty
• General weakness on one side or part of the body.

7. CLASSIFICATION OF SEIZURES (VIDEO)
• https://youtu.be/6zXFUIjY5xU

8. SEIZURES AND CHILDREN (VIDEO)
• https://youtu.be/RDgV3obDCp8?t=35s

9. PLAN OF ACTION
 Keep an eye on students who has a history of seizures
 If someone is experiencing a seizure , have another staff or child notify
the nurse or a lead admin and have the office manager notify parents.
The nurse will determine if a 911 needs to be called.
 Make sure the person is free of harm to his or herself.
 Always support the head, do not restrain and absolutely do not put
anything in the mouth.
 For documentation purposes, time the seizure and think about what
may have been going on before that may have been a trigger.
 If another staff is there in support have him or her remove students
from the classroom and into the hallway.
 Confidentially is important in these situations do not share information
with other staff or students who has no connection with the patient.

10. Thank you
Visit Epilepsy.com for more information..