1. Epilepsy by Salo Gonzalez A neurological disorder

3. Characteristics

5. Definition continuation Seizures are the result of a temporary alteration of one or more brain functions.

6. Characteristics GENERALIZED SEIZURES 1. Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal): -Usually lasts from 30 sec to 5 min -Loss of unconsciousness -Jerky muscle contractions -Loss of bladder and bowel control -Irregular breathing or temporarily ceases -Event may not be recalled by the person

7. Generalized Seizures continuation 2. Absence Seizure (Petit Mal): -It starts with a blank stare -Chewing movements and rapid blinking -No abnormal movements of the body -Momentary loss of consciousness -Lasts less than a minute; for this reason teachers often mistake this as student’s lack of attention

8. Characteristics continuation PARTIAL SEIZURES 1. SIMPLE SEIZURES (Sensory or Jacksonian): -May have no warning and last several minutes -Abnormal twitching may lead to a convulsive seizure -Unexplained feelings of anger, joy, fear, and nausea -No loss of consciousness but may hear or see nonexistent things

9. Partial Seizures continuation 2. COMPLEX SEIZURES (Psychomotor or Temporal Lobe): -Person may not respond to others -Inappropriate and uncoordinated actions -Sudden fear and struggle against any resistance -Hearing or seeing distortions -No recall of the event -Starts in a limited area of the brain but it may expand

10. Strategies for Educators

12. Be aware and document any changes or behaviors of the student.

15. Ease student to the floor and don’t restrain any movement.

16. Turn student to the side, keep airway open.

17. Move objects that could be a hazard.

18. Loosen student’s clothing.

19. Don’t put anything in student’s mouth

20. Don’t try to help by doing anything to the student’s mouth or tongue

22. National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities