FAQ9

I have a seizure disorder and have already self-identified my disability to my instructors. Although I don't expect to have a seizure in class, do you have any suggestions on how to be more specific on "Seizures 101" with my teachers?

Yes -- here is a personal tipsheet written by a student with a seizure disorder. This type of tipsheet could also be adapted for students with other kinds of flare-ups, too. Think about your own specific disability-related needs.

Name Address Telephone Number Email Address	I have epilespy, with a history of partial-complex seizures. I take xx of Tegretol XR a day.
Emergency Contacts:
Susan Quinby (or Assistant) Office of Disability Services 105 Hewitt (@ Barnard) 854-4634	Contact #3 Telephone Number
Contact #2 Telephone Number	Contact #4 Telephone Number

You will know I am having a seizure when:

I make a sort of guttural voice

my eyes roll back into my head

my head and arms begin to convulse; my legs/the rest of my body may also convulse (I probably won't flail wildly- the convulsions should be relatively mild.)

What should you do when I have a seizure:

I will fall, so it is best if I am lying down on the floor where I can't fall any lower. If possible, lie me down on the floor.

Clear away chairs or anything that I could hit with my flailing arms/body.

You do not need to insert anything in my mouth. Not even a wooden spoon. I promise I will not swallow my tongue.

The seizure should only last for 1-3 minutes, possibly less. You do not need to call an ambulance or CAVA unless the seizure lasts for 4-5 minutes or more.

After the seizure:

Call the disability office. Hopefully, someone from there will come and get me. Or, call my emergency contacts (above), and ask if they can come pick me up.

During the seizure, I will lose consciousness. When the seizure is over and I regain consciousness, I will be very confused.

I will not remember the seizure, where I am, who I am, who you are, etc. It will help if you tell me that I have just had a seizure, and where I am. (I will also not know my phone number, where I live, etc.) Just tell me what's going on simply. It would be especially nice if you tell me that "everything's going to be OK."

I may be unable to talk or move at first. If this is the case, I should be able to talk and move within 10-20 minutes.

Most likely, after a few minutes, I will be able to stand up and walk with help. If someone is willing, a student can take me outside of the classroom to wait for whoever can come to get me. It is best if someone stays with me. (I will not be completely with it/conscious. I have been known to wander around, climb stairs, walk into other buildings or the street, etc. after seizures.)

If no one is available to pick me up, then you can call CAVA or security or an ambulance (not all three). Otherwise, please do not call CAVA or an ambulance.

ODS
9/00

Back to Main FAQ