1. Seizure Disorder s Jennifer Hickel EEC 4731 Module 2: Young Children ’ s Health

2. Overview Seizures are defined as a temporary interruption of consciousness sometimes accompanied by convulsive moments. Result of a sudden disruption of orderly communication among nerve cells ( neurons ) in the brain. Creates uncontrolled and abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

3. Types, Signs and Symptoms –Febrile seizures : Triggered by high fever May cause child to lose consciousness, experience full - body, involuntary, jerking movements Usually stop when fever subsides Not thought to result in serious or permanent damage –Focal seizures ( Partial seizures ): Involuntary convulsive movements Begin at the tip of an extremity and spread toward the body trunk Child does not always lose consciousness

4. Types, Signs and Symptoms – Cont. –Petit mal seizures ( Absence seizures ): Characterized by momentary losses of attention –Ex : starting off into space, blank appearance, brief fluttering of the eyes Usually last 10-30 seconds Child may abruptly stop activity and immediately resume after seizure –Grand mal seizures ( Tonic - Clonic seizures ): Most common form of seizure disorders Convulsive movements usually involving the entire body Some children experience an “ aura ” or warning before seizure begins –Ex : sound, smell, taste, sensation, or visual cue Child experiences sudden stiffness followed by loss of consciousness and uncontrollable muscular contractions After seizure child may awaken and complain of headache or dizziness

5. Types, Signs and Symptoms – Cont. –Temporal lobe seizures : Spontaneous episode of unusual behavior –Ex : inappropria te hysterical laughter, utter unintelligi ble sounds, run around in circles May experience an “ aura ” before seizure begins Child does not usually lose complete consciousne ss May be drowsy and / or confused afterwards Child should be encouraged to rest

6. What can trigger a seizure? Seizures can be triggered by many different factors including : –Missing a dose of medication –Tiredness –Missing meals –Taking illicit drugs –Increased stress level –Flashing lights –Drinking alcohol –Overheating or overexertion ( hyperthermia )

7. Management of Seizure Disorders Most seizures can be controlled with medication –Vital that children take medication everyday, even if seizures are under control –Medication may cause undesirable side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness –Child should be monitored closely by physician Surgery and specially prescribed diets can also be used to control seizures

8. What do I do as a teacher? Teachers have two primary responsibilities if a child has a seizure in the classroom : – 1) Ensure the safety of the student having the seizure – 2) Address the situation with the rest of the class Let ’ s explore each of these responsibilities a bit more specifically…

9. What to do During a Seizure Try to remain calm. Let the student have the seizure, then contact the school nurse to offer assistance after the seizure has subsided. If you are able, try to time the duration of the seizure. Attempt to help the student to the floor and provide a pillow or something soft to prevent head injury. Do not hold a seizing student down. Move any furniture or objects that may cause injury. Do not put anything in the student ’ s mouth. When jerking movement stops, lay the student on his or her side. It is not uncommon for someone who has had a seizure to vomit, and this will help prevent the student from choking. Then, let the student rest in this position until he or she regains consciousness. After the seizure, reassure the student that he or she is safe. Once fully alert, let the student know about the seizure and how long it lasted. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or you see that the student is having more than one seizure without regaining consciousness, call an ambulance immediately — this is a medical emergency that requires advanced care.

10. What to do After a Seizure Notify the student ’ s parents immediately. Document the seizure in a brief, written report and include it in the student ’ s health file. Discuss the event if the seizure was witnessed by other members of the class. –Helps students to understand what happened –Helps ease students ’ fears and minimize humiliation or ill feelings toward the student who had the seizure.

11. Classroom Resources Lesson plans to help you offer seizure / epilepsy education in your classroom. – http://www.epilepsyclassroom.com/includes/pdf/Lesson% 20Plan%20Preschool-K.pdf (Preschool – K) http://www.epilepsyclassroom.com/includes/pdf/Lesson% 20Plan%20Preschool-K.pdf – http://www.epilepsyclassroom.com/includes/pdf/Lesson% 20Plan%20Grades%201-4.pdf (Grades 1-4) http://www.epilepsyclassroom.com/includes/pdf/Lesson% 20Plan%20Grades%201-4.pdf Sample incident form to help you inform the parents of a student who has had a seizure : –http :// www. epilepsyclassro om. com / includes / pdf / Seizur e %20 Incident %20 Report. pdfhttp :// www. epilepsyclassro om. com / includes / pdf / Seizur e %20 Incident %20 Report. pdf

12. References Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child – 7 th Edition, by : Lynn R. Marotz Epilepsy Classroom –http :// www. epilepsycla ssroom. com / home / index. aspxhttp :// www. epilepsycla ssroom. com / home / index. aspx