Seizures

A seizure is caused by a temporary burst of electrical activity in the brain. This can be triggered from epilepsy, reduced oxygen, a stroke, head injury or a fever. Symptoms can vary but here’s some to look out for;

Recognition

  • Rigid muscles
  • Child letting out a cry 
  • Unconsciousness 
  • Back arching
  • Blue lips
  • Arms and legs making a sudden, jerking movement
  • Eyes rolling
  • Teeth clenching
  • Salvating 
  • Blood around the mouth from biting on tongue
  • Noisy breathing – can sound like snoring
  • Loss of bowel/ bladder control

Here’s what to look out for-

It’s useful to make a note of what happens to the child who has had a seizure so you can inform the parents/ guardians or a doctor.

  • Did the child smell or taste anything odd before the seizure started?
  • Did their mood change?
  • Did the seizure begin without warning?
  • What were they doing before the seizure?
  • Did the child’s colour change? Did they become pale or flushed? If so- where?
  • Did they loose consciousness?
  • Was their breathing affected?
  • Did any parts of their body stiffen, jerk or twitch?
  • Did they mumble, wander around or act oddly?
  • How long did the seizure last?
  • Did they loose bowel control?
  • Did they bite their tongue?
  • How were they after their seizure?
  • Did they sleep? If so, for how long?

Treatment

  • Only move the child if they are in danger, otherwise move away anything that can cause danger such as tables and chairs
  • Protect their head with a cushion, coat or your hands
  • Loosen any tight clothing around their neck
  • After the convulsions have stopped open the airway and check for normal breathing. If breathing is normal place them in the recovery position, if normal breathing is absent start CPR 
  • Monitor them closely until they recover, talk calmly to them
  • Note the start and finish time of the seizure

Do not put anything in their mouth, this may cause more damage. Never restrain a child during a seizure. If they vomit or have blood in their mouth turn them onto their side to clear their airway. 

When a child is coming around after a seizure it is likely they will be confused.

When to call 999/112 –

  • it’s the first time someone has had a seizure
  • the seizure lasts longer than what is usual for them
  • the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
  • if you do not know how long their seizures usually last
  • the child does not regain full consciousness, or has several seizures without regaining consciousness
  • the child is seriously injured during the seizure

People with epilepsy do not always need an ambulance or to go to hospital every time they have a seizure. There is usually a care plan that has been agreed with doctors and their family or carers that states what to do when they have a seizure. You should have clear directions and access to this care plan.