Your child has epilepsy. The school knows this because you wrote it on the enrollment forms. But when your child has a seizure in the cafeteria, the teacher supervising lunch that day won't know what your child's seizures look like, how long they typically last, or whether to call 911 immediately or wait. Generic seizure training doesn't prepare school staff for your child's specific seizure pattern. A Seizure Action Plan does. A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is a one-page medical document that tells school staff exactly what to do when your child has a seizure. It describes what the seizure looks like, what's normal for your child, when to administer rescue medication, and when to call 911. It's individual, not generic. The first seizure at school is often the most chaotic because no one knows what to expect. An SAP on file means the response is procedural, not panicked. What a Seizure Action Plan Contains. A school seizure action plan is specific to your child and should include:  Your child's seizure type(s). Absence seizures look different from tonic-clonic seizures. Focal aware seizures look different from focal impaired awareness seizures. The plan should name the type and describe what school staff will observe: not medical terminology, but what it looks like in the classroom.  Typical duration. How long does the seizure usually last? Thirty seconds? Two minutes? Staff need to know what's within your child's baseline so they can recognize when something has changed.  Known triggers. Flashing lights,...

How to create a seizure action plan that follows your child through every class, bus ride, and recess—and ensure staff know what to do.

School Seizure Action Plans: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know

Your child's neurologist just told you the seizures are medication resistant. You've tried three anticonvulsants. Maybe four. Each one came with side effects, and none of them worked well enough. Now you're hearing about dietary therapy from other parents online, and you need to know what the evidence shows. The ketogenic diet isn't alternative medicine. It's an evidence-based neurological intervention that's been used for drug-resistant epilepsy since the 1920s. About 20 to 30 percent of children with epilepsy don't respond adequately to medications. For many of these families, dietary therapy becomes the next conversation with their neurologist. Here's what you need to know about ketogenic and modified Atkins diets for childhood epilepsy, including how they work, what the research shows, and what families face when they commit to these protocols. How Dietary Therapy Works for Seizures. The ketogenic diet shifts your child's brain from running primarily on glucose to running on ketones. When carbohydrate intake is drastically restricted, the liver converts fat into ketone bodies. The brain uses these ketones for energy instead of glucose. This metabolic shift appears to reduce seizure activity through multiple mechanisms. Ketones stabilize neuronal membranes, modulate neurotransmitter function, and reduce oxidative stress in brain tissue. The exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, but the clinical effect is well documented: many children who don't respond to medications experience significant seizure reduction on a ketogenic diet. The classical ketogenic diet uses a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of fat to combined protein and carbohydrates by weight. That's extremely high...

Guide to ketogenic and modified Atkins diets for drug-resistant childhood epilepsy, including how they work and what to expect.

Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy: A Parent's Guide to Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets

A teacher watches a student slump forward at her desk. The girl's eyes are open but vacant, her hands making small repetitive movements. The teacher has read the file. She knows the child has epilepsy. What she doesn't know is whether this is the seizure type that requires the medication in the nurse's office, or whether this passes on its own. She doesn't know if she should call 911 or call the parent first. The file doesn't say. Non-parent caregivers are often expected to respond to seizures with no medical history, no training, and no clear threshold for when to act. If you're a teacher, babysitter, camp counselor, or family member who cares for a child with epilepsy, this is what you need to know before you're alone with them for the first time. (For parents managing seizures at home, see our complete guide to seizure first aid.) What to Ask the Parent Before Day One. The conversation you need to have happens before the first seizure, not during it. These are the questions that will determine whether you know what to do when the moment comes.  Has your child had a seizure recently? What does it look like?  Parents can describe what you'll see. Tonic-clonic seizures involve the whole body: stiffening, then rhythmic convulsions, loss of consciousness. Absence seizures look like the child has briefly left the room, with a blank stare, sometimes repetitive blinking, lasting seconds. Focal seizures may involve confusion, unusual movements like picking at...

What non-parent caregivers need to know about responding to seizures, rescue medication, and when to call 911.

Seizure First Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Caregivers

When a child has their first seizure, parents describe time moving strangely. The instinct is to do something, to intervene, to stop what is happening. That instinct is understandable and sometimes makes things worse. Seizure first aid is not complicated. The steps are short. What makes them hard is learning them before you need them and resisting the actions that feel helpful in the moment but aren't. If you've been trying to understand what to do and what to avoid, this is what you need to know. The Types of Seizures and What Each Looks Like. Not all seizures look alike, and the response depends on which type you are witnessing.  Tonic-clonic seizures, sometimes called grand mal seizures, involve the whole body. The person loses consciousness, stiffens, then convulses with rhythmic jerking movements. This is the type most people picture when they hear the word "seizure." It typically lasts one to three minutes.  Absence seizures look like the person has briefly left the room. They stare blankly, often for a few seconds, and may blink repeatedly or make small repetitive movements. They do not fall and come back to awareness as if nothing happened. These rarely require physical intervention but do need documentation.  Focal seizures begin in one part of the brain. The person may be confused, have unusual sensations, or make repetitive movements like picking at clothing. They may or may not lose consciousness. What to Do During a Tonic-Clonic Seizure. The first thing to do...

Seizure First Aid: What to Do, What Not to Do, and When to Call 911

For families managing drug-resistant epilepsy, the standard list of options is a familiar and often exhausting one: try another medication, consider surgery, weigh a stimulation device. Each carries its own risks and tradeoffs, and many families have gone through all of them without finding the relief they needed. That backdrop matters for understanding why a therapy currently in clinical trial is drawing real attention from the epilepsy research community. Early data is showing something that families in this space have been waiting a long time to see.  What NRTX-1001 is doing  The treatment uses a specific type of cell called interneurons, inhibitory nerve cells that produce GABA, the neurotransmitter the brain uses to regulate electrical activity. When the inhibitory signals are disrupted or absent in certain regions, seizures can propagate. NRTX-1001 is designed to restore those signals directly, not by removing tissue or blocking signals with devices, but by introducing cells that can rebuild the function that's missing. What makes this approach different from surgery isn't just the mechanism. It's what it opens up. Traditional resective surgery requires identifying a single, clear seizure focus and is generally not an option for people with bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy, where seizures originate in both hemispheres. Removing tissue from both sides carries unacceptable cognitive risk. NRTX-1001 is being tested in both bilateral and unilateral cases, which means it could potentially reach people who currently have no surgical path forward.  The numbers families are talking about  Preliminary data from the...

A New Epilepsy Treatment Reports Over 90% Seizure Reduction in Initial Patients

The Challenge of Epilepsy in the Classroom. Imagine being a student with epilepsy, facing not only the daily trials of academics and social life but also the unpredictable onset of seizures. Navigating this complex landscape can be overwhelming, both for students and educators. This article explores effective strategies for managing epilepsy in the classroom, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Understanding Epilepsy and Its Impact. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting over 65 million people worldwide. In the classroom, it can manifest as involuntary movements, confusion, or even loss of consciousness, disrupting a child's education and social development. Recognizing the signs and understanding the implications are crucial for teachers and classmates alike. Consider Jane, a bright 12-year-old with epilepsy. Her seizures, although controlled by medication, can still occur during class. Her teacher, Mr. Thompson, has taken the time to learn about epilepsy and its effects, allowing him to support Jane effectively and maintain a positive classroom atmosphere. Creating an Inclusive Environment. Fostering an inclusive environment starts with empathy and understanding. Teachers can:  Educate themselves and their students about epilepsy, challenging stereotypes and fostering a supportive community. Encourage open communication, inviting students with epilepsy to share their experiences and concerns. Promote acceptance and inclusion, addressing any bullying or discrimination issues promptly.  In Jane's case, Mr. Thompson has created a welcoming and supportive classroom where she feels comfortable sharing her challenges and successes. This inclusive approach has empowered Jane and her classmates to embrace diversity...

Managing Epilepsy Classroom Accommodations

Managing Epilepsy for Optimal Learning in the Classroom

 Imagine waking up after a seemingly restful night's sleep, only to find yourself still feeling exhausted and drained. For many individuals with epilepsy, this is a harsh reality. Sleep and epilepsy share a complex relationship, with each having the potential to significantly impact the other. In this article, we'll delve into this intricate connection and explore practical solutions to improve sleep quality for those affected. The Interconnected Link: Sleep and Epilepsy. Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of a person's life, including sleep. On the flip side, sleep issues can exacerbate epilepsy symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lower the seizure threshold, making individuals with epilepsy more susceptible to seizures. Lifestyle Changes, Medication, and Therapies: Improving Sleep Quality. Although the connection between sleep and epilepsy can be challenging, several strategies can help improve sleep quality for those affected. Here are some practical tips and approaches:   Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency can help regulate your body's internal clock and improve overall sleep quality.  Create a Restful Environment: Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary by minimizing distractions, using blackout curtains, and investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows. A calming environment can help signal your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.  Limit Exposure to Electronic Devices: The blue...

Epilepsy affects sleep, and sleep issues can worsen epilepsy. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapies can improve sleep quality.

Sleep and Epilepsy: The Interconnected Link and Solutions

 Much research suggests that around 40 percent of all children with autism also have epilepsy. This finding proposes that the two are linked, and a study published from the Boston Children's Hospital suggests that a drug that has already demonstrated success and safety in children could prevent autism from developing after seizures.   Researcher Dr. Frances Jensen says that seizures overstimulate the mTOR pathway, a biochemical pathway also linked to autism. This overstimulation affects the circuitry within a child's brain.   In the study, rats that were given the drug rapamycin before and after seizures had decreased autism-like symptoms. Rapamycin works by inhibiting mTOR signaling, which reduces seizure activity and prevented seizure-induced changes in the brain. By blocking the mTOR pathway, the treatment prevents seizures and autism later in life, as suggested by this study.    Rapamycin is an existing drug; it is FDA approved. Through research, it is suggested this drug has many uses. Because the drug targets the mTOR pathway, which is involved in many cellular processes, the drug has potential for multiple uses.   Photo by Biotech Weblog 


Study suggests drug rapamycin could prevent autism in children after seizures by inhibiting mTOR pathway, showing success in rats.

Preventing Autism from Epilepsy

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Special Needs
Articles

School Seizure Action Plans: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know

Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy: A Parent's Guide to Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets

Seizure First Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Caregivers

Seizure First Aid: What to Do, What Not to Do, and When to Call 911

A New Epilepsy Treatment Reports Over 90% Seizure Reduction in Initial Patients

Managing Epilepsy for Optimal Learning in the Classroom

Sleep and Epilepsy: The Interconnected Link and Solutions

Preventing Autism from Epilepsy

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs Articles

School Seizure Action Plans: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know

Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy: A Parent's Guide to Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets

Seizure First Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families and Caregivers

Seizure First Aid: What to Do, What Not to Do, and When to Call 911

A New Epilepsy Treatment Reports Over 90% Seizure Reduction in Initial Patients

Managing Epilepsy for Optimal Learning in the Classroom

Sleep and Epilepsy: The Interconnected Link and Solutions

Preventing Autism from Epilepsy

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles