Coping with Seizures in Children
Children with epilepsy may have seizures only once in a while, or they may have them every day. And though seizures can be scary for parents and caregivers, they aren’t painful and are usually brief.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Seizure
If your child shows signs of having a convulsive seizure:
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Stay calm.
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Make sure the child is breathing.
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Roll the child onto his or her side.
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Place the child on the ground in a safe area.
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Remove any nearby objects that the child might hit.
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Loosen any clothing around the child’s head and neck.
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Remain with your child until the seizure is over.
Watch and be able to describe what happened before, during, and after the seizure.
What Not to Do During and After a Seizure
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Do not try to restrain the child’s movements.
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Do not put anything in the child’s mouth.
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Do not wake the child if he or she falls asleep after the seizure.
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Do not give the child anything to eat or drink until he or she is awake and alert.
Keeping Your Child Safe
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Develop a list of safety measures with your doctor to prevent injury to your child when he or she has a seizure.
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Carefully monitor activities such as swimming and bathing to keep your child safe in the case of a seizure.
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Inform other caretakers of your child’s condition. Instruct them in how to respond to a seizure if it happens.
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If your child is on medication, make sure it is taken as prescribed.
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Call 911 or emergency services if your child
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Has trouble breathing.
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Has bluish skin.
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Has a heart condition.
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Hurts himself during the seizure.
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Has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes.
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Has a seizure that seems different than usual.
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Remains unconscious, unresponsive, or confused for more than 5 minutes after the seizure.
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© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.