How to Handle a Seizure
What Are Seizures?
Seizures are episodes of movement or behavior change caused by extra electrical activity in the brain. Often, they last only a few minutes and stop on their own. Still, it can be scary to see a child having a seizure, so it helps to know what to do.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Seizures?
Seizures can take many forms, from staring spells to involuntary movements of the arms and legs. Signs a child might be having a seizure include:
- staring, not responding to anyone
- uncontrollable muscle spasms (shaking or twitching)
- loss of consciousness (passes out)
- uncontrolled peeing or pooping
What Should I Do if My Child Has a Seizure?
If you think your child is having a seizure, try to stay calm and:
- Gently place your child on the floor or the ground.
- Remove any nearby objects.
- Place your child on their side to prevent choking.
- Loosen any clothing around the head and neck.
- Watch for signs of breathing problems, including bluish color in the face.
- Try to keep track of how long the seizure lasts.
When the seizure is over, call your doctor. They probably will want to see your child.
It's also important to know what NOT to do if your child has a seizure:
- Don't try to prevent your child from shaking — this will not stop the seizure and may make your child more uncomfortable.
- Don't put anything in your child's mouth. Your child will not swallow their tongue, and forcing teeth apart could cause injuries or block the airway.
- Don't give your child anything to eat or drink, and don't give any pills or liquid medicines by mouth until your child is completely awake and alert.
Get Emergency Medical Care or Call 911 if Your Child Has a Seizure and:
- it's their first seizure
- the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or your child is having repeated seizures
- has trouble breathing
- has a bluish color on the lips, tongue, or face
- won’t respond to you or wake up after the seizure
- fell, got hurt, or hit their head before or during the seizure
- seems to be sick (has a fever, headache, or stiff neck)
- had the seizure while in water
- has any other symptoms that concern you
Can Seizures Be Prevented?
If your child has a known seizure condition, be sure that they get plenty of rest and takes any prescribed seizure medicine on time.
Because having a seizure in the water is dangerous, your child shouldn't swim or take a bath alone, no matter their age. If older kids want privacy to shower, just make sure someone is home and that they don’t lock the bathroom door.
