What To Do If A Child Is Having A Seizure?

Although the sight of seizure may look scary, the best first-aid for others is to stay calm. The child must be protected from getting hurt during the episode of the seizure. As soon as the child is seen to have a seizure, he should be carefully brought in a position where he is away from the danger of getting hurt.

• If the child is standing or sitting, he should be put on a soft surface or even on a floor where he can be turned on one side.
• The child should not be left alone while he is having a seizure. The duration of the seizure should be noted.
• Nothing should be put in the child’s mouth while they are having an episode of seizure. A child during a seizure cannot swallow anything or clench their teeth together.
• Trying to put anything in the child’s mouth may end up hurting the child.
• Irregular movements are common at the time of seizure. No efforts should be made to stop or restricts such movements.
• It is common for a child to often foam at the mouth or drool during a seizure. The child should be turned on one side instead of lying straight. This will prevent it from pooling back in the throat and will run out of their mouth.
• Few children do not suffer from convulsive seizures. They may just stare or act unusually. In such cases, one just needs to stay with them and keep them safe. They may not be needed to be turned on one side.

The emergency helpline number should be dialed in case-

• The child’s seizure lasts more than five minutes.
• The child has more than one episode of seizure in a very short period of time.
• The child gets hurt somehow during the seizure.
• The child does not come to consciousness after even 30 minutes of the seizure.
• The child has difficulty in breathing properly.
• The child encounters seizure for the first time.
• If something unnatural is noticed about the seizure.

Most children do not die due to an episode of seizure. Nevertheless, in rare circumstances, a child may die from an injury or very long episode of seizure. Sometimes children may die from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This is yet to be researched more about but there are few factors that increase the risk for SUDEP. Children who do not take medicines regularly and have developmental disorders have the greatest risk for SUDEP.

The greatest concern with seizures is that a child may be injured when he has a seizure. This is because most children are not aware they are having a seizure. This injury is the primary risk of seizures. Episodes of seizures may interfere with daily activities such as the child’s social life and school. In very rare conditions, if a seizure lasts longer than 30 minutes it may lead to scarring in the brain.

Once the seizure is over, especially a convulsive type, children find it very confused and tired. At times, they fall into deep slumber. It is better to let them sleep. The child should be checked frequently until he returns to his normal self. He should be taken to the neurologist for a checkup unless told otherwise. The child may need his medication to be adjusted.

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Also Read:

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• Breakthrough Seizure: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis
• What is Alcohol-Induced Seizure: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Pathophysiology, Prevention
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• What Causes Nocturnal Seizures in Adults?