A seizure is a temporary episode of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Knowing how to respond calmly and effectively when a toddler has a seizure can make a significant difference. This article provides guidance on managing a seizure in a toddler.
Immediate Steps During a Seizure
If a toddler begins to have a seizure, remaining calm is the first step. Your primary goal is to protect the child from injury. Gently lay the child down on the floor or ground in a flat, non-crowded area, and move any potentially harmful objects away from them.
Turn the child gently onto their side, which helps prevent choking on saliva or vomit and keeps their airway clear. Loosen any tight clothing around their head and neck. You may also place something soft and flat, like a folded jacket or pillow, under their head for protection.
Observe the seizure carefully, noting the exact time it starts and ends. Pay attention to the child’s movements, any changes in breathing, or if their face or lips turn bluish. This information will be helpful for medical professionals later.
Avoid restraining the child or trying to stop their movements, as this will not halt the seizure and could cause injury. Never put anything into the child’s mouth, including fingers or objects, as they will not swallow their tongue, and forcing teeth apart can cause injuries or block the airway. Do not attempt CPR unless the child stops breathing after the seizure has ended.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Most seizures in children end on their own within five minutes. However, certain situations warrant immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Emergency care is also necessary if the child stops breathing or their lips, tongue, or face turn blue. If a second seizure occurs before the child fully recovers consciousness from the first, or if the child does not wake up or respond after the seizure, seek immediate help.
Contact emergency services if the child sustains an injury during the seizure, such as from a fall or hitting their head. A seizure occurring while the child is in water, like a bath or pool, also requires emergency care. If this is the child’s first seizure, or if they have underlying medical conditions like diabetes, seek emergency care.
After the Seizure Has Stopped
Once the seizure activity has ceased, the child will likely enter a post-ictal phase, characterized by confusion, disorientation, or sleepiness. It is important to stay with the child during this time, offering comfort and reassurance as they slowly regain full awareness. Many children will be very tired and may fall into a deep sleep, which is normal, and it is acceptable to let them rest while monitoring their breathing.
Carefully check the child for any injuries that might have occurred during the seizure, such as cuts, bruises, or head trauma. Ensure their breathing has returned to a normal pattern. Do not give them anything to eat, drink, or any oral medications until they are fully awake and alert, to prevent the risk of choking or aspiration.
Even if emergency services were not called, it is important to contact the child’s pediatrician or neurologist for guidance after any seizure. They will likely want to evaluate the child to determine the cause of the seizure and discuss a potential seizure action plan if the child has a history of seizures. Following up with a healthcare provider helps ensure appropriate ongoing care and monitoring.
Understanding Toddler Seizures
While often alarming to witness, many seizures in children are not medical emergencies and often stop on their own. The most common type of seizure in children, particularly between 6 months and 5 years of age, is a febrile seizure, which is triggered by a fever.
Other general seizure presentations in toddlers can include staring spells, where the child may appear unresponsive for a few seconds. Some seizures involve rhythmic jerking movements of the arms and legs, while others might present as sudden stiffening of the body or a sudden loss of muscle tone causing a child to fall. Common seizure triggers can include fever, illness, lack of sleep, or flashing lights.