Caring for a Child During a Seizure
What Causes Seizures in Children?
Common causes and contributing factors include:
๐ High fever
๐ Meningitis
๐ Encephalitis
๐ Dehydration
๐ Abnormal electrolyte levels
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may occur when a child eats or drinks very little while experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea.
Parents often panic when they see their child having a seizure and may try several methods to help. However, providing the correct first aid is extremely important because it can reduce the risk of injury and other complications.
How to Care for a Child During a Seizure
The first thing to do is place the child on their side. This allows saliva and other secretions to drain from the corner of the mouth and helps reduce the risk of choking or aspiration.
Loosen tight clothing, particularly around the neck, to help the child breathe more comfortably.
When the child also has a fever, parents may gently wipe the body with lukewarm water to help reduce the temperature. When several adults are present, one person can stay with the child while another prepares the water and necessary items.
Handle the child gently. Do not shake, restrain forcefully, or use violence. These actions will not stop the seizure more quickly and may cause injury.
What Must Never Be Done During a Seizure?
Never place your fingers, a spoon, pen, or any other object inside the child’s mouth during a seizure.
Doing so may cause:
๐ The child to bite and seriously injure your fingers
๐ An object to break inside the mouth
๐ Broken pieces to enter and obstruct the airway
๐ Injuries to the teeth, gums, tongue, or jaw
Some people mistakenly believe that the child’s mouth must be forced open to prevent tongue biting. In reality, this is more dangerous than helpful.
Keep the child on their side and observe them closely until the seizure stops.
Summary of First-Aid Steps
๐ Place the child on their side.
๐ Move dangerous or hard objects away from the child.
๐ Loosen tight clothing.
๐ Gently reduce the fever if one is present.
๐ Do not shake or forcefully restrain the child.
๐ Never place fingers or objects inside the child’s mouth.
๐ Observe how long the seizure lasts.
๐ Stay with the child and monitor their breathing.
A seizure may last approximately two to three minutes and then gradually stop. Afterwards, the child may appear sleepy, drowsy, confused, or exhausted. These symptoms can occur during the recovery period after a seizure.
When Should the Child Be Taken to Hospital Immediately?
Take the child to the nearest hospital immediately when:
๐ The seizure continues for an unusually long time.
๐ The child has repeated seizures.
๐ The child does not recover normally after the seizure.
๐ The child has difficulty breathing or develops bluish lips or skin.
๐ The child is injured during the seizure.
๐ This is the child’s first seizure.
Prolonged seizures may be dangerous to the brain and require urgent medical care. Doctors may administer antiseizure medication intravenously when appropriate.
Investigating the Cause of a Seizure
After the seizure has stopped, the doctor will perform a physical examination and may order blood tests to identify the possible cause.
When meningitis or encephalitis is suspected, the doctor may recommend an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture, sometimes referred to as a spinal tap. This test helps determine whether there is inflammation or infection within the nervous system.
Some children may require additional specialised tests, such as:
๐ Electroencephalography, or EEG, to record the electrical activity of the brain
๐ Brain imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI
These examinations may be considered when epilepsy or a structural abnormality of the brain is suspected.
Summary
Seizures in children are relatively common and can be frightening for parents. Knowing the correct first-aid steps can help reduce risks and protect the child.
The most important actions are to place the child on their side, loosen tight clothing, manage a fever gently, monitor breathing and seizure duration, and never put anything inside the child’s mouth.
When a seizure lasts unusually long, occurs repeatedly, or is followed by abnormal symptoms, take the child to hospital immediately for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Reference :
Piyavate Blog Diseases Care For A Child During A Seizure
ArokaGO Providers Piyavate Hospital
Piyavate Hospital
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