Hesperian Health Guides
What to Do When a Child has a Seizure
HealthWiki > Disabled Village Children > Chapter 29: Seizures: Epilepsy > What to Do When a Child has a Seizure
- Learn to recognize warning signs that a seizure is about to begin, such as sudden fear or a cry. Quickly protect the child by having them lie on a soft mat or other place where they cannot hurt themself.
- When a generalized seizure starts, do not try to move the child unless they are in a dangerous place.
- Protect the child as best you can against injury, but do not try to forcefully control their movements. Remove any sharp or hard objects nearby. Remove eyeglasses if they are wearing them.
- Between spasms, gently turn the childās head to one side, so that spit drains out of the mouth and is not breathed into the lungs.
- After the seizure is over, the child may be very sleepy and confused. Turn the child on their side and let them sleep. For headache, common after a seizure, give acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen.
HEAD PROTECTION | |||
To protect the head of a child who often falls during a seizure, it may be wise to wear a helmet that protects her head, like a bicycle helmet. |
chin padding | ||
You can make a ācageā of stiff wire and wrap it with strips of inner tube, soft cloth, or sponge rubber. |
This page was updated:04 Apr 2024