Seizure & Health Observation Log Document What You Observe — Not a Diagnosis
Updated: Oct 9
When a child has a seizure disorder, neurological condition, or other health-related needs, parents and caregivers may receive reports about unusual movements, staring episodes, changes in awareness, falls, behaviors, or other events.
In those moments, it can be difficult to know exactly what happened especially when you were not there to see it yourself.
One helpful tool is a Seizure & Health Observation Log.
The purpose of this log is not to diagnose what happened. Instead, it creates a clear record of what was observed, when it happened, and what actions were taken so parents and the child’s healthcare team can discuss the event more accurately.
💗 Why Documentation Matters
A single description may not provide enough information for a healthcare professional to understand an event.
For example, saying:
“My child had a seizure.”
does not explain what was actually observed.
A more useful observation might include:
“At approximately 10:15 a.m., the teacher reported that the child stopped responding and stared forward. The episode was estimated to last approximately 20 seconds. The teacher reported that the child returned to their usual activity afterward.”
This type of documentation separates observation from interpretation.
Remember:
Document what you observe! Not a diagnosis.
A parent, teacher, paraprofessional, or other caregiver may observe an event, but determining whether something was a seizure or another medical event is a matter for the appropriate healthcare professionals.
📝 What to Include in an Observation Log
1. Date & Time
Record:
Date of the event
Approximate start time
Approximate end time, if known
Whether the time was exact or estimated
If the exact time is unknown, write “approximately” rather than guessing.
2. What Was Observed?
Describe what was actually seen or heard.
For example:
Staring
Lack of response to a voice or touch
Repetitive movement
Sudden stiffening
Jerking movements
A fall
Change in breathing
Change in facial expression
Change in awareness
Unusual vocalization
Change in walking or coordination
Try to describe the event without labeling it.
Instead of:
“He had an absence seizure.”
Consider:
“He stared forward and did not respond when his name was called.”
The healthcare professional can use the observation when considering what may have occurred.
⏱️ 3. Duration
If possible, document how long the event lasted.
For example:
Start: 10:15 a.m.
End: 10:15:30 a.m.
Estimated duration: 30 seconds
If nobody timed the event, write:
“Duration estimated by staff.”
That distinction can be important.
🔎 4. What Happened Before the Event?
Document what the child was doing immediately beforehand.
For example:
Eating
Sleeping
Walking
Playing
Using playground equipment
Transitioning between activities
Sitting in class
Experiencing a stressful situation
Becoming upset
Recovering from physical activity
This information can provide useful context for the child’s healthcare team.
🌱 5. What Happened Afterward?
Document what was observed after the event.
For example:
Returned to normal activity
Appeared tired
Was confused
Needed assistance
Fell asleep
Continued to be unresponsive
Was crying or upset
Returned to baseline
Again, focus on what was observed rather than trying to determine the medical explanation.
👀 6. Who Observed the Event?
Record who was present.
For example:
Parent
Teacher
School nurse
Paraprofessional
Bus staff
Therapist
Caregiver
Other witness
If several people observed the same event, their observations can be documented separately.
🩺 7. What Action Was Taken?
Document what happened afterward.
For example:
Child was moved to a safe location.
School nurse was contacted.
Parent was notified.
Emergency plan was followed.
Medication was administered according to the child’s prescribed plan.
Emergency medical services were contacted.
Healthcare provider was contacted.
Keep this section factual and specific.
📞 8. Parent & Medical Follow-Up
Use this section to document follow-up, such as:
Parent contacted pediatrician/neurologist
Appointment scheduled
Healthcare provider advised monitoring
Video or additional documentation provided to healthcare team
Medication or care plan reviewed by the appropriate professional
Parents can bring the completed log to medical appointments to help organize information about events over time.
🧡 A Simple Observation Log
Child’s Name: __________________________
Date: __________________
Time: __________________
Location: __________________
Person who observed the event:
__________________
What was happening immediately before?
__________________
What was observed?
__________________
Approximate duration:
_______________________________________________
What happened immediately afterward?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
What action was taken?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Who was notified?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Parent/medical follow-up:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Additional notes:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
🚨 When Safety Comes First
Documentation should never delay emergency care.
If a child is experiencing a medical emergency, follow the child’s individualized emergency plan and seek appropriate medical assistance.
A log is a documentation tool, not a substitute for medical care.
🏫 For Schools and Caregivers
Parents may want to ask their child’s school or caregivers how health-related events are documented.
Questions might include:
Who is responsible for documenting an event?
Where is the documentation kept?
What information is recorded?
Who contacts the parent?
What is the child’s emergency or health plan?
Who is trained to respond to the child’s medical needs?
How are repeated events communicated to the family?
Clear communication between parents, schools, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can help create a more consistent record.
🌸 A Note to Parents
When your child cannot fully explain what happened, documentation becomes especially important.
You don’t have to know exactly what an event was to document what you observed.
Write down the facts.
Write down the time.
Write down what happened before and afterward.
Ask questions.
Keep copies of important records.
And when you’re unsure, bring the information to the appropriate healthcare professional.
ParentsOfBraveHearts Reminder
Observe. Document. Communicate. Follow up.
You are not expected to diagnose your child’s medical events.
Your observations can simply help create a clearer picture for the people who are qualified to evaluate them.
Document what you observe not a diagnosis.
This resource is for educational and organizational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Writing by Chotimanee Guandique
ParentsOfBraveHearts | Founder & Family Resource Connector
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