Seizure First Response

Pediatric Seizure Supports

Information adapted from Epilepsy.com.

First Aid

The most important thing to do when a child has a seizure is keep the child safe. Often, you don't need to do anything but wait for the seizure to end. A child might just have a short staring spell and then go off as if nothing happened. Or a child could suddenly fall, but then just need a little comforting or help getting up.

What To Do If A Child Has A Generalized Seizure

If a child has a "grand mal" or tonic-clonic seizure (cries, falls, stiffens and then starts moving in jerking, uncontrolled movements), here are the things to remember:

DO:

• 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 prefent 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 afterward

DON'T:

• Try to hold the child

• Try to stop any movements or tongue-biting

• Try to open or put something in the child's mouth

When to Get Medical Attention

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 happens 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)

Continuous Seizures

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.

Summary: How to Keep Your Child Safe During a Seizure

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.

Adult Seizure Supports