For Students With Seizure Disorder(Epilepsy)
From Cross the Hurdles
Problems Faced
- Brief lapses of consciousness or “staring spells" causing disruptions in the learning process
- Side effects from medication resulting in slowed reactions, clumsiness and poor hand coordination, eye focusing difficulty, and flatness of affect
- Increased absences if grand mal seizures are not medically well controlled
- Memory deficits
- Clouded thinking caused by chronic seizure disorders and effects of medication
- Social isolation due to general public’s fear and misunderstanding
- Fear of embarrassment
Accommodations Required
General Techniques
- Be aware of the type of seizure disorder that student has
- Learn what to do when a seizure occurs
- Allow for absences
- Recognize effects of medication on performance and allow extra time for exams and completion of class activities
- Help the student assess how competitive they might be in their chosen career field.
Seizure Aid
- Remain calm and reassure other students
- Ease the student to the floor
- Remove objects that may injure the student
- Do not attempt to stop the seizure nor interfere with the student’s movements.
- Let the seizure run its course
- Never try to place any object in the mouth
- Turn the head or body to the side to prevent the tongue from slipping to the back of the throat interfering with breathing
- Do not attempt to revive a student who may turn pale, have irregular breathing, or stop breathing
- Seizure activity will diminish and they will breathe regularly on their own
- Assure a student who has experienced a seizure that all is well
- Attempt to give student privacy if bladder incontinence occurs
- Allow the student to rest and check their condition frequently. They will usually be disoriented and tired
- Do not give food or drink unless seizure activity has passed
- Call an ambulance when another seizure follows
