Information About Epilepsy and Seizures

Epilepsy is a neurological condition. Seizures are episodes of unusual brain activity caused by sudden electrical disturbances in the brain. They may last a few seconds to several minutes.

During a seizure, an individual may:

• Stare blankly or appear unresponsive
• Lose consciousness
• Experience jerking or rhythmic movements of the body, face, or eyes
• Drool or have noisy breathing
• Appear pale or bluish around the lips or nails

If Someone Is Having a Seizure

• Gently roll the person onto their side
• Place something soft under their head
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck
• Do not restrain the person
• Do not place anything in their mouth
• Look for a medical alert bracelet or necklace

Emergency Response:

1. Call 911 and state that the individual is experiencing a seizure. Provide the exact location (building, floor, room).
2. Contact the GPTC Police Department at extension 1700, after you have called 911.
3. Stay with the individual until emergency responders arrive, if it is safe to do so.

Important Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Epilepsy & Seizure Information: https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy
• Epilepsy Foundation: Seizure First Aid and Education
  https://www.epilepsy.com

Forms:

Seizure Action Plan

Please note: All students with epilepsy have an individualized seizure protocol on file with Student Accessibility Services. With the student’s consent, a copy of the protocol will be provided to the instructor and shared only with personnel who have a legitimate educational need to know, in accordance with FERPA and applicable privacy regulations.

This information is provided by Student Accessibility Services, in collaboration with Campus Police. For questions, please contact ext. 1385 or Campus Police at ext. 1700.