2. Overview
• A seizure occurs when the brain functions
abnormally, resulting in a change in movement,
attention, or level of awareness. Different types
of seizures may occur in different parts of the
brain and may be localized (affect only a part of
the body) or widespread (affect the whole body).
Seizures may occur for many reasons, especially
in children. Seizures in newborns may be very
different than seizures in toddlers, school-aged
children, and adolescents. Seizures, especially in
a child who has never had one, can be frightening
to the parent or caregiver (Francisco, 2010).
3. Symptoms
• Seizures in children have many different types
of symptoms. A thorough description of the
type of movements witnessed, as well as the
child's level of alertness, can help the doctor
determine what type of seizure your child has
had (Francisco, 2010).
4. Symptoms (cont.)
• The most dramatic symptom is generalized
convulsions. The child may undergo rhythmic jerking
and muscle spasms, sometimes with difficulty
breathing and rolling eyes. The child is oftensleepy and
confused after the seizure and does not remember the
seizure afterward. This symptom group is common
with grand mal (generalized) and febrile seizures.
• Children with absence seizures (petit mal) develop a
loss of awareness with staring or blinking, which starts
and stops quickly. There are no convulsive movements.
These children return to normal as soon as the seizure
stops (Francisco, 2010).
5. Symptoms (cont.)
• Repetitive movements such as chewing, lip smacking,
or clapping, followed by confusion are common in
children suffering from a type of seizure disorder
known as complex partial seizures.
• Partial seizures usually affect only one group of
muscles, which spasm and move convulsively. Spasms
may move from group to group. These are called
march seizures. Children with this type of seizure may
also behave strangely during the episode and may or
may not remember the seizure itself after it ends
(Francisco, 2010).
6. Management
• Most seizures can be controlled with medication. It is
vital that children take their medications every day,
even after seizures are under control.
• Children may initially experience undesirable side
effects to these drugs, such as drowsiness, nausea, and
dizziness. However these problems usually disappear
after a short time.
• Children should be monitored closely by their physician
to ensure that prescribed medications and dosages
continue to be effective in controlling seizure activity
and do not interfere with learning (Lynn 2009).
7. Management (cont.)
• Whenever a child experiences a seizure, families
should be notified. If the nature of the seizures
changes, or if they begin to recur after having
been under control, families should be
encouraged to consult the child’s physician.
• Teachers should also complete a brief, written
report documenting their observations following
any seizure and put it into the child’s permanent
health file (Lynn 2009).
8. Teaching Modifications
• Be aware of any children with a seizure disorder in the
classroom. Find out what the child’s seizures are like, if
medication is taken to control the seizures, and
whether the child is limited in any way by the disorder.
• Know emergency response measures. Develop
guidelines for staff members to follow in the event that
a child has a seizure; review the guidelines often.
• A teacher’s own reactions and displays of genuine
acceptance can go a long way in teaching
understanding and respect for anyone with special
health problems (Lynn 2009).
9. Teaching Modifications (cont.)
• Use the presence of a child with a seizure
disorder as a learning opportunity for other
children. Provide simple explanations about what
seizures are; encourage children to ask questions
and express their feeling. Help children learn to
accept others who have special conditions.
Teachers can help young children learn to accept
and cope with their seizure disorder. They can
also encourage children to develop positive
attitudes toward people who experience seizures
(Lynn, 2009).
10. References
• Lynn R. Marotz (2009) Health, safety & nutrition for the young
child. Children’s health: Maximizing The Child’s Potential. 116-118. Canada.
Cengage Learning.
• Francisco Talavera, Frank L Christopher, Scott H Plantz,
Thomas Rebbecchi. (2010). Seizures in Children Symptonms.
emedicinehealth.com. Retrieved Jan 29, 2012, from
www.emedicinehealth.com/seizures_in_children/page3_em.htm.
• Francisco Talavera, Frank L Christopher, Scott H Plantz,
Thomas Rebbecchi. (2010). Seizures in Children Overview.
emedicinehealth.com. Retrieved Jan 29, 2012, from
www.emedicinehealth.com/seizures_in_children/article_em.htm
