First published November 2016 Updated October 2026
Epilepsy can be a challenge for school-aged children, but by partnering with teachers, coaches and caregivers, successful management is entirely possible. Here are some tips to help everyone keep your child safe at school.
If your child is at risk of going into status epilepticus (a seizure lasting longer than five minutes) this Seizure Action Plan should have a rescue medication included as part of the care plan.
A seizure rescue medication can be used to safely stop prolonged. Rescue medication is usually a liquid medication packaged as a nasal spray for emergency use. Teaching sheets and educational sessions are available to help a school nurse or other adult learn to give the medication safely.
Your neurologist will create a personalized Seizure Action Plan for your child. Seizure Action Plans are not just for school and daycare. You can share your child’s seizure action plan with other adults, like coaches, troop leaders, or the parents in your carpool.
My Child Has Epilepsy. Can They Play Sports?
Absolutely! People with epilepsy get the same benefits from athletics as other people: improved health and fitness, improved stress management and the experience of being on a team.
Here’s what you need to know:
Exercise induced seizures are very rare.
Getting tackled in football, hit in hockey, or heading a soccer ball does not increase the risk of seizure.
Research shows that people with epilepsy who play sports have fewer seizures.
Remember, certain medications may make bones weaker or make it harder for athletes with epilepsy to sweat to cool off. Starting a new medication or increasing doses may make your child feel tired or uncoordinated until their body adjusts. Talk with your neurologist if these are concerns for your athlete.
Are There Any Sports My Athlete with Epilepsy Should Not Play?
Sports injuries happen at the same rate in athletes with and without epilepsy. Here are extra safety considerations for athletes with epilepsy:
Your neurologist can help decide which sports are safest to participate in based on your type of epilepsy and your seizure control.
Frequent absence seizures should be controlled before playing sports.
Cross country runners and weightlifters should train with a partner.
People with epilepsy are 4 times more likely to drown. It is important that your family, your athlete and the coach are aware of the risk if an athlete with epilepsy is on swim team or other water sports.
Always wear helmets when participating in sports with wheels.
Athletes with epilepsy have the same risk of concussion as other athletes but may take longer to recover. Talk to your neurologist and your pediatrician if you have questions about concussion and your athlete.
What About Other School Activities?
Kids with epilepsy can play actively with their peers at school, but on the playground and in gym class, limit climbing to under 10 feet.
If seizures are frequent, postpone cooking classes to decrease the risk of cuts or burns.
Shop class and use of power tools is not recommended for people with epilepsy.
Driver’s Education class can be taken at any time, but logging driving hours and getting a permit must wait until your teen has been seizure free for an appropriate amount of time.
Your neurologist will fill out paperwork when driving is safe.
Kids with epilepsy can and should participate in activities with their peers and friends. With these tips, you can help your child take part safely and have a great year.
For more information about epilepsy treatment, click here
Jaime Twanow, MD is an attending pediatric neurologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
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