Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder

Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that from time to time produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. When someone has epilepsy, this normal pattern may be interrupted by intermittent bursts of electrical energy that are much more intense than usual. The electrical burst may affect a person's consciousness, bodily movements, or sensations for a few seconds to minutes. These physical changes are called seizure activity.

The primary treatment for seizure disorders is oral anticonvulsant medication. For the majority of students with epilepsy, medication controls the seizure activity. Other treatments for seizures include vagal nerve stimulators, ketogenic diet, and surgery. When convulsive seizure activity is prolonged, it is called status epilepticus. Students may suffer brain damage or die if seizure activity is prolonged and not interrupted. Prolonged seizure activity may be interrupted by administration of emergency medication. After emergency medication administration, emergency medical services or 911 may need to be called, and the student should be monitored for seizure activity and respiratory depression.

School personnel need to know how to recognize seizures and how to respond to a seizure emergency. School nurses can develop an emergency action plan, train school personnel in first aid, and provide assistance in the administration of daily and emergency medications for students with seizure disorder.

Functional neurological disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders. Physical symptoms of FND are genuine but cannot be explained by changes in the brain structure. FND is not the same as epilepsy.

The two most common categories of FND are functional or dissociative seizures (also known as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures [PNES]), and functional movement disorder. PNES cause seizure-like episodes that are not due to abnormal electrical signaling in the brain. The person may have episodes of movement, sensation, and behavior similar to a seizure and may have a temporary loss of attention or memory. The person may also be confused or experience a loss of attention (without shaking). The person might feel “disassociated” (or disconnected) from their thoughts or feelings or from the environment. 

Functional movement disorders affect how the body moves. Any type of abnormal movement can be seen in functional movement disorder. About half of the time, people with the disorder experience more than one type of abnormal movement.

Medication Administration Videos

Video demonstration of the use of Diastat® AcuDial

YouTube Instructional Videos

General information

• Demonstration of administration by the buccal route
• Demonstration of administration by the buccal route to child in a wheelchair