Seizures in School

Like the video states there different types of seizures and they look different as well. The two most common type that we will talk about are tonic-clonic seizure and absence seizure. Tonic-clonic are the typical seizure you think of when you think of a seizure. It used to be called a grand-mal seizure. Convulsions or jerking motions usually take place with this type of seizure. The whole body may shake or make movements but it may only affect one side of the body. These seizure may last a couple of minutes. After the seizure the child may be tired and fall asleep. 

An absence seizures are less noticeable. There usually aren't jerking motions. Sometimes a person may not even realize they have had a seizure. These may look like a child staring blankly into space. Eyes may roll back into their head and/or eyelids may flutter. This type of seizure usually lasts only briefly and the child may come out of it pretty quickly and get right back to what they were doing. They might be slightly confused.

Reminders if you witness a seizure:

1. Remain calm

2. Make sure they are safe. Help them to the floor if they are sitting or standing. Clear the area of objects and place something soft under their head. When you are able, move them to their right side in the recovery position. 

3. Note the time the seizure starts, if you can remember.

4. Call the school nurse. Either use the phone in your room, HS can use the intercom system to call the front office. Or you can send 1 student to the front office.

5. Clear the room of other students. Seizures can be difficult to watch. And completely embarrassing for the student having a seizure. They may loose bowel or bladder control. 

6. If he/she is not breathing or they are turning blue or it lasts longer than 5 minutes call (9-1-1)

7. Do not restrain them or put anything into his/her mouth. 

If you have a student with a known seizure disorder or problem, you will be notified via email. There have been times that we as the nurses are not aware that a student has a seizure disorder. If you are given any information about a student with a seizure disorder and feel like we may not know about it, PLEASE let us know. Even if they aren't on an IHP or need seizure rescue medication, it is always good for us to be aware.