what to do when child has a seizure?

[judyp]

My friend's daughter has just been diagnosed with epilepsy. She hasn't been having seizures very regularly but I was just hoping for some general advice on what to do take if she does have one when I am looking after her?

[Epilepsy Action]

Hi Judyp

Good question - you could look at our first aid video and information on our website:

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/firstaid

We also have some information about epilepsy for children and teenagers, if that would help your daughter understand her friend's epilepsy:

http://kids.epilepsy.org.uk/
http://youngpeople.epilepsy.org.uk/

Hope this helps.

Kathy

[Andrew Kelso]

Hi Judyp

All the Epilepsy Action and Epilepsy Society advice is really helpful.

I also tell everyone - never be afraid or worry about calling an ambulance. Even very experienced carers sometimes feel out of their depth and need the help of the professional if someone is having a seizure. Even if the paramedics turn up and everything's returning to normal, that's OK! It's part of their job.

[Dan Hindley]

Hello Judyp
Lots of good advice already.
It would be worth finding out what sort of seizure your friend's daughter has. There are different sorts and the first aid advice varies depending on the type of seizure. Some seizures can be subtle and brief e.g. absences and the child comes round in a few seconds and doesn't even know he / she has had a seizure. Others can result in the child looking confused and behaving unusually e.g. focal seizures often followed by sleep. The main concern is with tonic clonic seizures where the child becomes unconscious, stiff and then shakes - these need the first aid management as illustrated on the Epilepsy Action site (don't put anything in the child's mouth) and most carers call an ambulance unless they are very used to managing seizures.
It is great that you are being proactive on this so you can go on helping your friend
Dan

[Anthony Linklater]

Hi Judyp

Just to reinforce Dan's point, it would be important for you to find out what type(s) of seizure your friend's daughter has. Seizures can be frightening to witness but if you have an idea of what to expect and how you should respond, you will hopefully feel calmer and more confident if she has a seizure whilst with you. It would also be good for you to know how long the seizures usually last and how long it takes her to recover from them which will help you to assess if the situation is out of the ordinary and requires medical assistance.

Anthony

[Karen Osland]

Hi Judyp
Yes, great that you are being pro-active here and all the advice given ought to help you feel well
equipped. However, don't be afraid to share your concerns with your friend, let her know that you
want to do everything possible to help her child. There may be certain things that she does to
to reassure her child after a seizure and it would be good if the care and support was consistent.
Making a plan together will also help to re-assure you both.

I'm sure she is pleased to have your support, well done.

Karen

[Jelly Syrup]

Hi Judy show your friend & daughter the jewellery on the Medic Alert website when they are ready. I wear a bracelet & people think I am sometimes wearing a watch. It makes me feel safe www.medicalert.org.uk

[judyp]

Many thanks for all your wonderful answers! I shall certainly make sure to share all of this info