How to Explain a Seizure to a Child

A seizure is an erratic electrical discharge within the brain that often causes a person to convulse uncontrollably. Children who have experienced or witnessed a seizure will have many fears. They may think they are going to die or worse, in their eyes, be made fun of by peers. Removing the cloud of mystery surrounding seizures by explaining them, will help the child to feel more at ease when dealing with a seizure.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to the child's pediatrician and learn as much as you can about seizures. Educating yourself will make it much easier for you to educate the child. Having an understanding of seizures and related disorders can also help you to be prepared and remain calm when a child has a seizure. A calm demeanor will help put the child at ease during a stressful and scary situation.

• 2

  Encourage the child to express their concerns to you. Keeping an open line of communication will help you to more easily put the child's concerns to rest. Assure the child that their questions are not strange and it is important to be inquisitive in order to understand seizures.

• 3

  Explain what a seizure is in terms they are able to understand. Medical terminology is confusing and frightening to children and will get them no closer to an understanding of the condition. Relate concepts to things that are familiar to them.

• 4

  Explain to the child what a seizure looks like. A person having a seizure can start shaking and may fall to the ground. They may also make groaning noises accompanied by drooling. Tell the child these things are all part of the body re-correcting the electrical discharge. Let the child know it is normal for a person to be confused following a seizure.

• 5

  Tell the child to go get an adult, if they witness a seizure. Children should also know how to contact 911 in an emergency. Knowing how to handle a seizure will make it seem less frightening.

• 6

  Instruct the child what to do if they have a seizure. Tell the child to get to a safe area such as a floor away from furniture, if they feel weird. Describe other possible warning signs that may arise prior to a seizure.

• 7

  Explain to the child that seizures are just one part of a person and that many people have seizures. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, over three million people are affected by seizures each year. This will help remove the stigma attached to the condition.