First aid for seizures

Watching your child have a seizure is a very frightening experience. You may even think that your child is dying. However seizures are not as serious as they look. A seizure is a disturbance of electrical activity in the brain that causes messages to become mixed up. There are different sorts of seizures (sometimes called “fits” or “convulsions”). Often children become unconscious and are not able to respond to you. They may fall and there can be jerking of the limbs.

A single seizure does not mean your child has epilepsy – this may be the only seizure that your child ever has. If your child has more seizures they may require further investigation and/or treatment.

 What should you do if your child has another seizure where they are unconscious and jerking? 

Do: 

Assess the situation 

Note the time – how long did it last? 

Move objects that may cause injury 

Put something soft under the head 

Turn on side as soon as possible 

Stay with the child

Do Not:

Panic 

Move the child unless in danger 

Restrict movements 

Place anything in the mouth 

Give anything by mouth until fully recovered

You are frightened or need help 

The seizure continues for more than 5 minutes

If one seizure follows another 

If the child is injured or you are concerned about their breathing 

You believe they need medical attention

If you are not bringing your child into hospital, you will need to see your doctor.

It is a good idea to let other people know that your child has had a “first seizure”. E.g. Family, friends, your child’s school/playgroup, nursery or child-minder. Why don’t you share First Aid information with them? 

It is important to let your child take part in all their normal activities. However, you need to take extra care when thinking about bathing, swimming, cycling and cooking 

Eastern Paediatric Epilepsy Network

Dr Rashmi Adiga

 MBBS, DCH, MRCPCH(U.K), CCT(U.K), FRCPCH.

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist