All staff contribute to the health, safety and well-being of those in the school community. Knowing basic information about epilepsy and related seizure disorders can help keep colleagues and students safe.
Seizures
Seizures are temporary changes in normal brain activity that can affect awareness, movement, behavior, emotions or sensation. They can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may look very different from one person to another. Some seizures involve falling and shaking, while others may cause staring, confusion, unusual movements or an inability to respond. Not every seizure is a medical emergency.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures. Having one seizure does not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect children and adults in different ways, and many people with epilepsy can participate successfully throughout the course of their life.
Nonepileptic seizures
It is also important to recognize nonepileptic seizures, sometimes called Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES). These episodes can resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain in the same way as epileptic seizures. Because the treatment and support needs can differ, proper evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals is important. A person experiencing nonepileptic seizures should be treated with respect and without assuming that the episodes are intentional or “faked.”
For children, seizures or epilepsy can interfere with attendance, concentration, memory, testing, physical education, medication schedules and recovery time following an episode.
Here in New Jersey, we have Paul’s Law (PL 2019, c. 290) in place that requires the following:
- Students have a physician-provided seizure action plan annually;
- School nurses develop individualized health plans and individualized emergency health plans (providing individualized information to the students’ “need-to-know” educators, including bus staff);
- School district provides general seizure/epilepsy training to all staff, including bus staff;
- School nurse to ask parent to complete a HIPAA/FERPA consent to communicate with the students’ providers and share information with “need-to-know” staff; and
- Acknowledgement of the waiver of liability clause for school employees when responding “in good faith” to a seizure emergency.
Just this year, a legal amendment to “Paul’s Law” (PL 2025, c. 205) adds the requirement that all school staff are trained every five years on the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
When students have seizure disorder or epilepsy, there should be consideration for the protections and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as their condition might substantially limit major life activities.
Adult epilepsy and seizures
Typically, most individuals do not outgrow epilepsy or a seizure disorder, so there may be adults working in the school who want to consider requesting a 504 plan. The 504 plans, if granted, will only be shared with the staff members specified by the employee.
If workplace discrimination related to an epilepsy or seizure disorder occurs, you should speak with your union representative. In addition, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General could investigate workplace discrimination.
Adults must remember that they are responsible for their own health and healthcare needs. It is optional to share health information with the school nurse, to be used for emergency purposes only. This information could include where the staff person keeps their medications, their specific diagnosis or an emergency contact person. Neither the district nor the school nurse can be responsible for storage or other health documents related to an
adult’s condition.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace advice, diagnosis, treatment or prescriptions from your healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your individual health needs.
Find our more about Paul’s Law and New Jersey’s school healthcare plan requirements.