For Students With Seizure Disorder(Epilepsy)

Classroom Accommodations

Problems Faced

1. Brief lapses of consciousness or “staring spells" causing disruptions in the learning process
2. Side effects from medication resulting in slowed reactions, clumsiness and poor hand coordination, eye focusing difficulty, and flatness of affect
3. Increased absences if grand mal seizures are not medically well controlled
4. Memory deficits
5. Clouded thinking caused by chronic seizure disorders and effects of medication
6. Social isolation due to general public’s fear and misunderstanding
7. 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