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Does a student at your school have epilepsy? If you’re a teacher, you might be unsure about what this means for their participation in sports classes - or if it’s safe.
It is typically the responsibility of the school nurse or another healthcare provider to develop healthcare plans for students with chronic conditions like epilepsy. Speak with the school nurse about what an individual student’s healthcare plan is, and what that means for their participation in sports.
This article provides a general overview, but does not constitute medical advice. Talk to a medical professional about the specific needs of any students you teach.
What is epilepsy?
If you teach a student with epilepsy, it’s helpful to have an understanding of what this condition is.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder which causes people to have repeated seizures. A seizure is a sudden, temporary, burst of electrical activity in the brain. It affects how messages are sent between brain cells and can cause involuntary changes to how the person’s body moves, sensations they feel, their awareness or behavior.
According to the CDC, just under 1% of children aged 0-17 have epilepsy. In a school of 1000 children, the CDC says around six would be likely to have epilepsy.
Related: Tips for teaching students with epilepsy
Can students with epilepsy participate in sports?
Every person with epilepsy is different, and so it is impossible to provide a general answer. What is more, different sports come with different potential risks (such as flying balls, swimming in water or climbing over objects). One sport may come with a lower risk, while another may be much more dangerous.
It is important to understand that there can be significant risks for people with epilepsy when taking part in sports. In some sports, even a momentary lapse in concentration caused by a seizure could lead to a fall and an injury.
If the school does not yet have a seizure action plan for a student (for example, if they have only been recently diagnosed), then they should see the school nurse as a matter of priority before they take part in any sports. The child should also speak to their doctor about the possible risks.
This does not necessarily mean that the student cannot ever take part in sports activities. As the Epilepsy Foundation points out, if an individual’s seizures are controlled, then there may be benefits to being active. But they must see the school nurse and discuss this with their doctor first.
Epilepsy and sports blogs
We’ve written guides around playing multiple sports with epilepsy - read them for more insight:
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