Seizure (Epilepsy) First Aid
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What to Do if a Child has a Generalized SeizureTop of Page
If a child has a grand mal or generalized tonic clonic seizure (cries, falls, stiffens and then starts moving in jerking, uncontrolled movements), here are the things to remember:
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DO:Top of Page
Move anything that could hurt the child
Put something soft and flat under the child's head (pillow, folded jacket or sweater)
Turn the child gently to one side to prevent choking
Loosen anything around the child's neck
Keep track of how long the seizure lasts and other important information to tell your doctor
Stay calm and comfort the child afterwar
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DON'T:Top of Page
Try to hold the child
Try to stop any movements or tongue-biting
Try to open or put something in the child's mouth
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When to Get Medical AttentionTop of Page
Most of the time, you do not need to call 911 or go to the emergency room when a child has a seizure. However, you should get immediate medical care if:
- It is the child's first seizure
- The seizure lasts more than five minutes
- The seizure happened in water that the child may have swallowed
- The child has diabetes or a high fever
- There is a risk of a head or other injury
- The child is having trouble breathing after the seizure (Do not try to give a child mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during a seizure. If the child is not breathing after the seizure, first call 911 and then try CPR while waiting for the ambulance)
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Continuous SeizuresTop of Page
Prolonged or cluster seizures — seizures that don't stop after five minutes or continue one after another — can turn into status epilepticus, which means a “continuous state of seizure.” This requires immediate medical attention. It is good to have written instructions from your doctor to give to the paramedics or emergency room staff in case your child ever experiences a continuous seizure. You should also know where the closest and best hospital is.
If your child has a continuous seizure:
- Call an ambulance. Do not try to move your child unless there is no other choice.
- Ask your doctor to call the emergency room and let them know you're coming.
- If you have written instructions from your doctor for the doctors and paramedics, make sure you have them.
There are some new treatments available that can stop a prolonged seizure. Some can be given to children by parents or caregivers orally (by mouth), rectally (rear end) or by injection (needle). If your child experiences continuous seizures, ask your doctor if any of those treatments are an option.
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Summary: How to Keep Your Child Safe During a SeizureTop of Page
During a seizure, the most important thing you can do is keep your child safe. You can help do that by remembering the following:
- Stay Calm - A seizure is frightening for everyone. The calmer you are, the better
- Don't Restrain
- During a seizure, the less you have to move or touch a child, the better.
- Do not try to stop the child's movements or force anything in the child's mouth.
- Observe & Report
- Try to remember as much as you can about the seizure to tell your doctor after.
- Monitor or watch your child after the seizure. Your child may seem tired or confused, complain of sore muscles, or have a headache. Contact your doctor immediately if you are concerned.
Reviewed by: Joseph I. Sirven, MD | Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN on 3/2014 via the Epilepsy Foundation Website