How to Manage Seizures in Children

Seizures are common in children, with many children eventually growing out of the childhood seizures. However, a seizure is a sign that your child's neurological system is in distress, even if it is only for a moment. Childhood seizures must be monitored and managed to avoid further complications to your child's health. To do this, you must prevent seizures whenever you can and monitor any seizures that do occur to prevent further damage.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a professional a diagnosis of your child's seizure condition. Childhood seizures can actually be a symptom of another health condition, such as brain trauma. Treating the underlying health condition can cure your child of his seizures. As the doctor runs diagnostic tests, he will rule out these health conditions.

• 2

  Discuss prescription seizure medications with your doctor. Seizure medications can help curb seizure but they also come with many side effects. For this reason, children are not often put on seizure medications unless it is necessary. If your child's doctor prescribes medication for your child's seizures, be sure to discuss all the side effects with him before administering it. You should also follow the doctor and manufacturer's instructions at all times. Do not miss doses or administer too much, because this can cause a seizure episode.

• 3

  Alert any adult that takes care of your child of his seizure condition. This includes your child's school, your babysitter and relatives. They all need to know what triggers the seizures, what your child's seizures look like and what to do in the event of one. They should also know about any medication she is on, when she takes it and how much to give her. Many parents often forget to discuss the seizure condition with the child himself or his siblings. Using age appropriate terminology and descriptions, be sure to explain what is a seizure is and why your child has them. Assure her that you are doing everything you can to prevent seizures and will do everything possible to help her during a seizure. The idea is to explain as much as she can understand so that she is not scared.

• 4

  Avoid seizure triggers if at all possible. Some children are sensitive to flashing lights, while others may have seizures after hearing certain sounds. Not every case of childhood seizures has certain stimuli, but if your child does, it is smart to avoid them.

• 5

  Keep your child from causing more damage to himself while having a seizure episode. Move him into a lying position and remove any objects that may injure him, such as his eyeglasses or toys. Do not put anything in his mouth during the seizure episode. Do not leave the child alone. Stay with your child until after he is fully conscious again. Do not administer any food, liquid or medication by mouth immediately following a seizure episode. If his doctor has approved certain pain or anxiety medication after a seizure, administer it rectally.