One of the most terrifying things to watch, especially as a parent, is a child having a fit or convulsion. These seizures can happen for a variety of reasons, adding to the anxiety and fear factor when they do. It could be that a head injury is the cause, or meningitis, or epilepsy. And they can happen in a variety of ways, too: shaking of the whole body, or complete stiffness, and anything in between. Whatever the reason and type of seizure, knowing how to deal with it will help a parent to remain focused and effective in ensuring the health of their child.

Body heat and seizures

A common cause of seizures is a rapid rise in body heat, as seen when a child is ill and suffering with a fever. This is called a febrile convulsion, and will often last for less than five minutes and come to an end without outside help. It’s very scary to watch – especially the first time – but doesn’t result in increased chances of developing epilepsy.

Seizures sap a lot of energy, and so it’s very common for the child to want to sleep afterwards. That’s normal, though if your child is prone to seizures and is taking an excessive time to wake up you should get medical help.

Don’t get your finger bitten off

A common misconception is that a child having a seizure will swallow their tongue and stop breathing. This simply doesn’t happen. Never put anything into the mouth of a child experiencing a seizure.

First aid for seizures

There is a simple eight step process for dealing with seizures. Remember, the main objective is the safety of your child.

1. Stay calm. That’s going to help both of you, and those around you.
2. Stay near. Never leave your child during a seizure.
3. Move away from danger. If your child is having a seizure near a point of danger, move the danger or your child.
4. Use the recovery position. Roll your child into the recovery position and protect their head with something soft.
5. Check your child’s breathing.
6. Keep your fingers and other objects out of your child’s mouth
7. Keep a note of the time and circumstances of the seizure if possible
8. Get medical help

When is emergency medical aid required?

There are circumstances when you’ll need to call an ambulance straight away (the sooner you call, the faster help will arrive):

• If the seizure lasts for longer than five minutes
• If it was caused by a head injury, or happens in the water
• The first time your child has a seizure
• If your child’s breathing isn’t normal after the seizure, or if there is blueness around the lips

Finally, for those very rare children who suffer seizures on a regular basis: if the seizure being suffered is unlike those previously experienced, then call an ambulance.

When medical help does arrive, your calmness throughout will help you to explain the nature of the seizure, its effect, and, perhaps, even identify the cause.