Teaching Students Who Have Epilepsy
Students with epilepsy generally manage seizure activity through regular medication, adequate rest, and proper diet and have little problem in the classroom.
In the unlikely event that a seizure occurs during class, the following is a short list of do’s and don’ts. Note: the seizure is painless
DO’S
- Do remain calm: other students will tend to mirror the emotional reaction of the instructor
- Do let the seizure run it’s course
- Do clear the area around the individual so he/she does not injure him/herself.
- Do call 911 if a seizure lasts over 10 minutes, is immediately followed by another major seizure, or the student injures him/herself
- Usually it is not necessary to call the doctor if the seizure is less than 10 minutes
- Do roll person onto his/her side carefully once the seizure subsides
- Do let the person rest after the seizure has passed
DON’TS
- Do not restrain the student: you cannot stop the seizure once it has begun.
- Do not interfere with movements in any way
- Do not force anything between the person’s teeth.
- Do not allow other students to stand around and stare at the student who is having the seizure. Request they leave the area until further notice.