A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.
Coping with Seizures in Children
Only about 1 in 10 people will ever have a seizure in their life. Children who have seizures may have only one and never have another. Other children may have seizures once in a while, or many times a 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
A convulsive seizure is also known as a major motor seizure or a grand mal seizure. If your child shows signs of having this type of seizure:
-
Stay calm.
-
Make sure the child is breathing.
-
Roll the child onto their side.
-
Place the child on the ground in a safe area.
-
Remove any nearby objects that the child might hit.
-
Loosen any clothing around the child’s head and neck.
-
Remain with your child until the seizure is over.
Watch and be able to describe what happened before, during, and after the seizure. Try to look at a watch or clock to know how long the seizure lasts.
If your child has medicine to stop a seizure while it happens, make sure you know how to use it.
If your child has a vagus nerve stimulator to treat seizures, follow the instructions you were given to activate it.
What not to do during and after a seizure
-
Don't try to restrain the child’s movements.
-
Don't put anything in the child’s mouth.
-
Don't wake the child if they fall asleep after the seizure.
-
Don't give the child anything to eat or drink until they are awake and alert.
Keeping your child safe
-
Develop a list of safety measures with your healthcare provider to prevent injury to your child when they have a seizure.
-
Carefully monitor activities such as swimming and bathing to keep your child safe in the case of a seizure.
-
Tell other caretakers of your child’s condition. Instruct them on how to respond to a seizure if it happens.
-
If your child is on medicine, make sure they take it as prescribed.
-
Keep track of the number of remaining pills and refills. Call your healthcare provider for refills if they are running low.
-
Talk with your healthcare provider about when and if it will be safe for your child to learn to drive and obtain a driver's license.
Call 911
Call 911 if your child:
-
Has trouble breathing
-
Has bluish skin
-
Has a heart condition
-
Hurts themselves during the seizure
-
Has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes
-
Has a seizure that seems different than usual
-
Remains unconscious, unresponsive, or confused for more than 5 minutes after the seizure
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joseph Campellone MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed:
7/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.