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Understanding Seizures
The document discusses epilepsy and different types of seizures. It notes that epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures and is not contagious or a mental illness. It provides information on the incidence rates of seizures in the general and student populations. It then describes the characteristics and first aid procedures for three main types of seizures - absence seizures, complex partial seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. It indicates when 911 assistance is required and special considerations for students with seizures on school buses.
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Understanding Seizures
- 1. Better Understanding Seizures
- 2. Epilepsy is…. • adisorder characterized by recurrent seizures • seizures are a brief temporary disturbance in the electrical system of the brain • is not contagious or a mental illness • very well controlled with medications
- 3. Types of Seizures •Absence (also known as petit mal) • Complex Partial • Tonic Clonic (also known as grand Mal)
- 4. Incidence Rate forSeizures • 1:100 people in the general population • 1:50 people under the age of 18 (potentially 1 student in each standard size bus) • 1:3 students with a developmental disability (highly likely in special ed bus fleet)
- 5. Absence Seizures (petitmal) • most common type of seizure in primary and elementary school students • characterized by blank stare • unresponsive to outside stimulus • automatic behaviors(lip smacking, picking at clothes) • lasts a matter of seconds
- 6. First Aid forAbsence Seizures • Protect from harm • Observe ( frequency, how long) • Document (when, how often) • Report ( school nurse/administrator)
- 7. Complex Partial Seizures • student is not aware of their surroundings • mobility is maintained • student may resist any attempt at restraint • lasts 2-4 minutes
- 8. First Aid: PartialSeizures • pull bus over and stop as soon as it is safely possible • contact dispatch • guard from harm (sharp objects, stairs) • allow student to move (do not restrain) • Make sure student is dropped off with a responsible adult
- 9. Tonic Clonic Seizures(grand mal) • convulsive activity • grinding motion of teeth • shallow breathing • unaware of surroundings • fluids from mouth • typically lasts 2-4 minutes (can last much longer
- 10. First Aid: TonicClonic Seizures • pull over & stop bus as soon as safe • contact dispatch • protect from harm • keep airway clear(roll on side across bench) • do not force anything in mouth • time seizure • leave with responsible adult
- 11. Issues Requiring 911Assistance • first time seizures • cluster seizures (occurring back to back) • seizures that last more than 5 minutes • student is injured, pregnant or has diabetes • if distance to 911 is unknown (rural areas, field or athletic trips)
- 12. Special Issues toConsider • wheelchair vs mobile • use of diastat • keeping others students calm and safe • prepare Seizure Action Plan in IEP • coordinate closely with dispatch throughout
- 13. Resources • Epilepsy Foundationof Georgia (800) 527-7105 www.epilepsyga.org • www.epilepsyclassroom.com • www.epilepsy.com