What are the signs and symptoms of a seizure?

Seizures can present in many different ways:

• Involuntary twitching
• Sudden change in consciousness
• Unusual eye movements
• A vacant stare
• Numbness or inability to use a certain part of the body
• Unconsciousness
• Convulsions
• There may be associated incontinence of urine or stool

What causes a seizure?

A seizure results from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. These abnormal discharges in the brain cause the signs and symptoms mentioned above.

What is a febrile seizure?

This is a seizure that is caused by a high fever. Most cases of febrile seizures are harmless and resolve after age 5. Your doctor may recommend using fever-reducing medications.

When can I treat a seizure at home?

A healthcare professional should assess any child who has a seizure, unless your own physician specifically advises you otherwise. Always begin the initial first aid measures as described below immediately

First aid measures

• Remain calm. Do not panic
• Place your child on the floor in an area that is safe
• Remove any objects around your child to make the area safe
• Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck, head or face
• When the seizure stops, roll your child onto his side
• Seek medical attention once the seizure stops.

Call 911 immediately if any of the following are present:

• Change in skin color, especially blueness
• Difficulty breathing
• Any history of head injury, present or past
• If you suspect your child may have ingested or has been exposed to a poison
• If your child has a heart problem
• If your child appears unwell
• If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• If you are concerned for any other reason

What not to do

• Do not try to put anything in a child’s mouth while he is having a seizure.
• Do not try to forcibly stop any seizure movements.
• Do not give your child anything to eat or drink right after a seizure. There is a period immediately following a seizure called the “post-ictal” period. In this state your child may be sleepy and trying to swallow anything may lead to choking.