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First Aid for Seizures in Children

Childhood seizures are alarming for parents but most are brief and self-limiting; correct first aid prevents injury and aspiration.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is First Aid for Seizures in Children?

Seizures in children may be febrile (most common, age 6 months to 5 years, triggered by fever), epileptic (recurrent unprovoked) or symptomatic of acute illness (meningitis, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte disturbance, intoxication, head injury).

Generalised tonic-clonic seizures present with sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening (tonic phase), rhythmic jerking (clonic phase), eye rolling, frothing at mouth and possible incontinence. Most last 1–3 minutes.

Focal seizures involve a part of the body, may include altered awareness, automatisms, abnormal sensations or unilateral motor activity.

Status epilepticus is seizure lasting >5 minutes or recurrent without recovery — a medical emergency requiring intravenous benzodiazepines and ICU care.

Symptoms

Sudden loss of consciousness with falling
Generalised stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking of arms and legs
Eye deviation, rolling back of eyes, blank stare
Frothing or saliva at mouth, possible cyanosis
Urinary or faecal incontinence
Post-ictal confusion, drowsiness, weakness lasting minutes to hours
Focal seizure: localised twitching, automatisms, déjà vu, unusual sensations

Risk Factors

Family history of febrile seizures or epilepsy
Recent fever or infection (febrile seizure)
Head trauma, perinatal hypoxia, neonatal injury
Brain malformation, tuberous sclerosis, neurocutaneous syndromes
Metabolic disorders (hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, hypocalcaemia)
Drug or toxin exposure (TCAs, isoniazid, accidental ingestion)
Sleep deprivation, photic stimulation in known epilepsy

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • First-ever seizure in a child requires emergency evaluation
  • Seizure lasting >5 minutes — call 112 immediately (status epilepticus)
  • Seizure with high fever in infant <6 months — possible meningitis
  • Multiple seizures within 24 hours, or no recovery between seizures
  • Seizure followed by persistent weakness, headache or altered consciousness

Treatment Methods

01
Stay calm; note start time and characteristics; do not restrain or hold tongue
02
Move the child to a safe area; clear hard or sharp objects
03
Place in recovery position (on side) once jerking stops to prevent aspiration
04
Loosen tight clothing around neck; do not put anything in the mouth
05
After seizure: stay until fully alert; offer comfort; record duration and features
06
Hospital management: rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam if seizure >5 minutes; IV lorazepam in hospital
07
Long-term: investigate underlying cause; antiepileptic therapy if recurrent unprovoked seizures (epilepsy)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.