A common symptom of epilepsy is an epileptic seizure, which can take a lot of different forms. Some come on fast and furiously, while others may be mild and almost invisible to a bystander. Either way, it’s important to know the basics for helping a child who has suffered a seizure. Here’s what you can do:
- Always stay with the child until the seizure is over.
- If possible, time how long the seizure lasts—this is valuable information if medical help is needed.
- Move sharp objects out of their way.
- Help make them comfortable…suggest they lie down.
- But, do not hold a person down while they’re having a seizure. Doing so will make them confused or disoriented.
- Do not put anything in their mouth, including food or water. (And no, despite popular misconception, someone cannot swallow their tongue during a seizure.)
- Make sure the child is breathing, and if lying down, that they laying on their side to open up airways.
Above all, remember to stay calm. Most seizures pass within a couple of minutes.
Read more about what a seizure might look like from the Epilepsy Foundation.
