As a parent, you naturally want to be prepared for any situation involving your child’s health and safety. While seizures might not be something you think about regularly, having the right knowledge can make all the difference if your child ever experiences one. You might wonder: What exactly happens during a seizure? How can I help my child effectively? What should I watch for, and when is professional help needed?
Seizures are more common in children than many parents realize, and with proper understanding, they become much more manageable situations. The key lies in knowing how to respond calmly and effectively, turning what might feel overwhelming into a situation where you can provide meaningful support for your child.
What Not to Do During a Seizure
Before exploring what you should do during a seizure, it’s crucial to understand common misconceptions that could potentially harm your child. These well-intentioned but incorrect responses stem from outdated information or popular myths about seizures .
- Never attempt to hold your child down or restrain their movements during a seizure. While the urge to stop the convulsions feels natural, restraining can cause injuries to both you and your child. The muscle contractions during a seizure are involuntary and extremely strong—fighting against them may result in fractures or other injuries.
- Don’t put anything in your child’s mouth, including your fingers, spoons, or other objects. The common belief that people can “swallow their tongue” during a seizure is a dangerous myth. Your child cannot swallow their tongue, but objects in the mouth can block their airway, break their teeth, or cause choking.
- Avoid giving your child food, water, or medication during a seizure. Their swallowing reflexes are compromised during the episode, making choking a serious risk. Wait until they are fully conscious and alert before offering anything by mouth.
Don’t attempt to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation unless your child has stopped breathing after the seizure has completely ended. Breathing difficulties during the actual seizure are normal and typically resolve on their own as the episode concludes.
When to Call Emergency Services
Knowing when a seizure requires immediate medical attention can differentiate between appropriate care and unnecessary panic. Not every seizure warrants an ambulance call, but certain situations demand prompt professional intervention:
- Call 911 immediately if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Extended seizures can lead to serious complications and require emergency medical treatment to stop them safely.
- Seek emergency help if your child experiences multiple seizures without fully regaining consciousness between episodes. This condition, known as status epilepticus, requires immediate medical intervention to prevent potential brain damage or other serious complications.
- Contact emergency services if your child has difficulty breathing or their breathing doesn’t return to normal shortly after the seizure ends. While some breathing irregularities during the seizure are expected, persistent respiratory problems require professional evaluation.
Additionally, if this is your child’s first seizure, emergency medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and begin appropriate monitoring or treatment. Even if the seizure resolves normally, the first occurrence requires professional assessment.
Common Types of Seizures in Kids
Understanding the different types of seizures helps you recognize what’s happening with your child and respond appropriately. Each type presents differently and may require slightly varied first aid approaches, though the fundamental safety principles remain consistent.
Generalized (Tonic-Clonic) Seizures
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also called grand mal seizures, are what most people picture when they think of seizures. These episodes involve the entire brain and unfold in distinct phases. The seizure begins with the tonic phase, where your child’s muscles suddenly stiffen, and they may cry out, lose consciousness, and fall. This usually lasts 10-30 seconds. The clonic phase is followed by rhythmic jerking movements throughout the body, irregular breathing, and possible loss of bladder control. After the seizure ends, your child experiences a recovery period where they remain drowsy, confused, and may want to sleep extensively.
Absence Seizures
Absence seizures, or petit mal seizures, are subtle episodes easily mistaken for daydreaming. Your child suddenly stops their activity and stares blankly ahead, unresponsive to their name or attempts to get their attention. These episodes typically last 5-15 seconds, after which your child resumes normal activity as if nothing happened. Some children may show subtle signs like rapid blinking or lip smacking. These seizures can occur many times daily and significantly impact learning if unrecognized. Teachers often notice children who frequently “zone out” during activities.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate in a specific brain area, making symptoms highly variable depending on the location involved. Simple focal seizures don’t cause loss of consciousness but may produce unusual sensations, emotions, tastes, smells, or visual disturbances. Your child might experience sudden, intense emotions that seem inappropriate given the context of a situation t. Complex focal seizures involve altered consciousness while your child remains somewhat awake and responsive. They might perform repetitive movements like lip smacking or hand rubbing, appearing confused or “not quite there.” Some focal seizures can spread to become generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which is why careful monitoring is important.
What to Do During a Seizure
When your child has a seizure, your response can significantly impact their safety and recovery. These evidence-based steps will help you provide the best possible care while keeping you and your child safe during the episode.
Stay Calm and Time the Seizure
Your ability to remain calm during your child’s seizure directly affects how well you can help them and how the situation unfolds. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that most seizures are not medical emergencies and will end on their own within a few minutes.
- Immediately note when the seizure begins by checking your watch or phone, or ask someone nearby to track it for you.
- Observe and mentally note seizure characteristics: which body parts are involved, types of movements, and any breathing or color changes
- Speak to your child calmly, reassuringly throughout the episode, even though they likely cannot respond.
- Remember that accurate timing determines whether emergency intervention is needed and provides valuable information for the healthcare providers
Move Dangerous Objects Away
Creating a safe environment around your child is one of your most important responsibilities during a seizure. Look around the immediate area and quickly identify potential hazards that could cause injury if your child’s movements bring them into contact with these objects.
- Move sharp objects, hard-edged furniture, and breakable items away from your child’s vicinity.
- Guide them away from stairs if possible, but don’t attempt to pick them up or forcibly move them unless they are in immediate danger.
- If they’re in a chair when the seizure begins, help them to the floor, as the floor provides a safer, more stable surface.
- Remove or loosen tight clothing around their neck, like ties or scarves, but avoid clothing that requires extensive manipulation.
Place the Child on Their Side
Positioning your child correctly during a seizure helps maintain their airway and prevents choking on saliva or vomit. This recovery position is a fundamental first aid technique that can prevent serious complications.
- Gently roll your child onto their side, preferably their left side, supporting their head with a soft object
- Tilt their head slightly forward to encourage drainage and keep their airway clear.
- Ensure the side position allows fluids to drain from their mouth rather than pooling in the back of their throat.
- Keep their airway open by gently lifting their chin, but never put your fingers in their mouth or attempt to hold their tongue.
Final Thoughts
Your journey as the parent of a child with seizures involves continuous learning, adaptation, and growth. The fear and uncertainty you initially felt will gradually transform into knowledge and confidence as you become more experienced. Always keep in mind that seizures, while serious, are manageable conditions that millions of families navigate successfully every day. Your child can still participate in most activities, form meaningful relationships, and achieve their goals with proper support and management.
The most valuable insight to carry forward is this: your calm, informed response during seizures creates the safest possible environment for your child while minimizing trauma for your entire family. Your love, vigilance, and commitment to learning proper seizure management provide the foundation that helps your child to thrive with their condition. Trust in your ability to learn and adapt, celebrate the seizure-free periods, and know you’re providing your child’s support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if my child has a seizure?
Stay calm and ensure their safety by moving dangerous objects away and placing them on their side. Time the seizure and remain with them until they’re fully alert. Don’t restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if your child is injured.
When should I call an ambulance for a seizure?
Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Check if your child has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness between them, seems to have an injury, if they have trouble breathing after the seizure ends, or if this is their first seizure. Trust your instincts, when in doubt, seek professional help.
Can seizures be harmful to my child?
Most seizures are not harmful and end naturally without causing lasting damage. However, injuries can occur from falls or hitting objects during a seizure. The main risks come from the environment rather than the seizure, which is why creating a safe space is important.
What causes seizures in children?
Seizures in children can result from various factors, including epilepsy, high fevers, head injuries, infections, genetic conditions, or other neurological conditions. Sometimes the cause remains unknown despite a thorough medical evaluation. Your child’s healthcare team will work to identify any underlying causes and develop an appropriate treatment plan.