For most families in the Rio Grande Valley, the start of a new school year brings excitement, new supplies, and a busy first week. For families of children with epilepsy, it also brings a unique set of concerns: Will the teacher know what to do if my child has a seizure? Is the school nurse familiar with their medication? What if something happens on the bus?
At Neuro Rehab & Pain Institute in Edinburg, TX, Dr. Priti M. Manohar cares for pediatric and adult epilepsy patients across the RGV. This guide is designed to help you prepare your child, your school, and yourself for a safe and confident school year.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Child's Seizure Action Plan Is Current
A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is a written document — usually one page — that tells school staff exactly what to do if your child has a seizure. It should include:
- A description of what your child’s seizures look like — because seizures vary enormously between individuals, and a teacher needs to recognize your child’s specific pattern
- How long a seizure typically lasts and when to call 911 versus when to wait
- First aid steps: position the child safely, do not put anything in the mouth, stay calm and time the seizure
- Whether your child has a rescue medication (such as diazepam rectal gel or intranasal midazolam) and who is authorized to administer it
- Emergency contacts and your child’s neurologist’s contact information
If your child’s seizure action plan has not been updated since last year — or if their seizures or medications have changed — please schedule an appointment with Dr. Manohar before school starts so we can update the plan together.
Step 2: Meet with the School Before the First Day
Do not wait for something to happen. Request a meeting with the school nurse, your child’s teacher, and ideally the principal or counselor before the school year begins. During this meeting:
- Share your child’s Seizure Action Plan and make sure it is filed in the school office, with the teacher, and with the bus driver if applicable
- Explain what your child’s seizures look like and how staff should respond
- Discuss any medications your child takes at school — including storage, administration, and who is authorized to give them
- Ask about the school’s emergency plan and how they communicate with parents
- Discuss where your child can rest after a seizure, since post-seizure fatigue (the postictal period) is common and can last 30 minutes to several hours
Most schools in the RGV are willing and able to accommodate children with epilepsy. The key is communication before an emergency, not during one.
Step 3: Managing Medication at School
Many children with epilepsy take one or more anti-seizure medications, and maintaining a consistent schedule is critical — missed or delayed doses can increase seizure risk. Here is how to make school-day medication management as smooth as possible:
- Provide the school nurse with a clearly labeled supply of medication, written authorization to administer it, and exact dosing instructions
- If your child takes medication at lunchtime, confirm the nurse’s schedule and that there is a backup plan if the nurse is unavailable
- Set a phone alarm or use a medication reminder app for your child if they are old enough to self-manage
- Ask Dr. Manohar about whether your child’s medication schedule can be adjusted to minimize school-hour doses while maintaining seizure control — this is sometimes possible
If your child’s seizure control has been unstable recently, this is especially important to discuss at a pre-school appointment with Dr. Manohar.
Step 4: Talk to Your Child About Epilepsy at School
How much your child shares with classmates and teachers is a personal decision that depends on their age, maturity, and comfort level. What matters most is that your child does not feel alone or ashamed. Some practical guidance:
- For younger children: keep it simple — ‘My brain sometimes does something unexpected called a seizure. The teacher knows what to do and I will be okay.’
- For older children and teenagers: consider letting them take the lead in deciding what to share and with whom. Many teenagers with epilepsy prefer that their close friends know, but do not want it to be general knowledge.
- Remind your child that having epilepsy does not define them — and that many successful, accomplished people live full lives with epilepsy
- If your child shows signs of anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal related to their epilepsy at school, mention this to Dr. Manohar — these are common and very treatable co-occurring concerns
Dr. Manohar's Expertise in Pediatric Epilepsy
Dr. Priti M. Manohar is board-certified in neurology with subspecialty training in epilepsy and child neurology. She sees both pediatric and adult patients at NRPI, and she understands the unique challenges that epilepsy presents in a school setting — from medication timing to the social and emotional dimensions of managing a neurological condition in childhood.
If your child’s epilepsy diagnosis is new, or if their seizure control has changed, the beginning of the school year is an excellent time for a comprehensive evaluation to make sure their treatment plan is optimized for this stage of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a teacher do if my child has a seizure at school?
Teachers should: stay calm, clear the area around the child, gently guide them to the floor if they are not already there, place something soft under the head, turn them on their side if possible, time the seizure, and never put anything in the mouth. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if the child does not regain consciousness, or if another seizure begins immediately after the first. All of this should be documented in the Seizure Action Plan filed with the school.
Can my child participate in PE and sports with epilepsy?
Most children with well-controlled epilepsy can participate in physical education and most sports with appropriate precautions. Activities near water (swimming, rowing) and heights (climbing) require extra supervision. Dr. Manohar will give you specific guidance based on your child’s seizure type, frequency, and control level.
Should my child wear a medical ID bracelet?
Yes — a medical ID bracelet or tag that identifies your child as having epilepsy is strongly recommended. In an emergency where the child cannot communicate, a medical ID helps first responders provide appropriate care quickly.
Serving RGV Families from Edinburg to Brownsville
Neuro Rehab & Pain Institute serves pediatric and adult epilepsy patients across the Rio Grande Valley, including Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr, Mission, Weslaco, Harlingen, Rio Grande City, and Brownsville. Telehealth appointments are available for families who cannot easily travel to our Edinburg office. We are here to help your child start the school year with the best possible neurological care in place.
Call us: (956) 683-9300
