Managing Epilepsy in Schools

At a glance

  • Managing epilepsy at school involves educating school nurses, teachers, staff, and students about epilepsy.
  • Topics would include symptoms and treatment, including seizure first aid.
  • It's equally important to understand the possible stigma associated with epilepsy, and to prevent bullying of students with epilepsy.
A nurse is meeting with a female adult and child.

Overview

In a school with 1,000 students, about 6 students would have epilepsy. For many children, epilepsy is easily controlled with medication. These children can do what all the other kids can do and perform as well academically. For others, however, it can be more challenging.

  • Epilepsy is a common disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures.
  • Epilepsy affects people of all ages, but children and older adults are more likely to have epilepsy.
  • Seizures are the main sign of epilepsy, and most people can control these with treatment.
  • Some seizures can look like staring spells. Other seizures can cause a person to collapse, stiffen or shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
  • Many times the cause of a seizure is unknown.

Health impacts

A school health professional meets with a male adult and child.
Case management services are important when a medical condition affects academic performance.

CDC data showed that students with epilepsy, aged 6–17 years, were more likely to miss 11 or more days of school in the past year. That is often more missed days compared with students who have other health issues. Also, compared with students with other medical conditions, students with epilepsy were more likely to:

  • Have difficulties in school.
  • Use special education services.
  • Have activity limitations, such as less participation in sports or clubs.

Recommendations

Managing epilepsy while at school

It's important to support students with epilepsy at school. This involves educating school nurses, teachers, staff, and students about epilepsy and its treatment, including seizure first aid. It also involves educating those groups about the possible stigma associated with epilepsy.

School staff can:

  • Visit the Epilepsy Foundation Safe Schools Courses for seizure training courses for school nurses and school personnel.
  • Follow the seizure action plan and administer first aid (including rescue medications) when needed.
  • Understand the importance of taking medication as directed, and support students who take daily medications.
  • Help students avoid seizure triggers—flashing lights or other triggers identified in the seizure action plan.
  • Monitor and address any related medical conditions, including mental health concerns such as depression.
  • Provide case management services for students whose medical condition disrupts their school attendance or academic performance.
  • Refer students with uncontrolled seizures to medical services within the community—and to the Epilepsy Foundation for more information.
  • Understand the laws related to disability, medical conditions, and special education. Ensure that children with epilepsy have access to free, appropriate education under the law.
  • Monitor student behavior to prevent bullying of students with epilepsy.

What Is a Seizure Action Plan?‎

A Seizure Action Plan contains essential information so that school staff can help a student who has seizures. It includes information on first aid, parent and health care provider contacts, and medications for that child. Seizure Action Plans are tools that help parents and schools partner to keep children safe and healthy. See an example of a Seizure Action Plan from the Epilepsy Foundation.

Resources

Visit the CDC epilepsy website, and the resources below, to help all kids with epilepsy feel safe and supported at school.

For professionals

For students and families

Print
Content Source:
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
  • Russ SA, Larson K, Halfon N. A national profile of childhood epilepsy and seizure disorder. Pediatrics. 2012;129(2):256–264.
  • Pastor PN, Reuben CA, Kobau R, Helmers SL, Lukacs S. Functional difficulties and school limitations of children with epilepsy: findings from the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Disabil Health J. 2015;8(2):231–239.