What are convulsions?
During a convulsion (seizure), a child becomes
unconscious and falls, the eyes roll backward, the body stiffens, and
the arms and legs jerk. Most seizures last less than 5 minutes.
Convulsions (that are not caused by a fever) occur in 1 out of every
250 children. If they become recurrent, the child is said to have
epilepsy.
What causes
convulsions?
The usual cause of recurrent seizures without a fever
(epilepsy) is a small area in the brain tissue that sometimes sends
abnormal messages to other areas of the brain. Recurrent seizures can
usually be controlled with special medicines (anticonvulsants). Other
common causes are head injury, poisoning, low blood sugar, or low
levels of calcium in the blood.
What should I do when
my child has a convulsion?
- Leave your child on the
floor or ground.
During a seizure your child should be left on the
floor or ground. Move him only if he is in a dangerous place.
- Protect your child's
airway.
If your child has anything in the mouth, clear it
with a finger to prevent choking. Place your child on the side or
abdomen (face down) to help drain secretions. If the child vomits,
help clear the mouth. Use a suction bulb if available. If your
child's breathing becomes noisy, pull the jaw and chin forward by
placing two fingers behind the corner of the jaw on each side (this
will automatically bring the tongue forward).
- Common mistakes in first
aid for convulsions
During the seizure, don't try to restrain your child
or stop the seizure movements. Once started, the seizure will run
its course no matter what you do. Don't try to resuscitate your
child just because breathing stops momentarily for 5 to 10 seconds.
Instead, try to clear the airway. Don't try to force anything into
your child's mouth. This is unnecessary and can cut the mouth,
injure a tooth, cause vomiting, or result in a serious bite of your
finger. Don't try to hold the tongue. Children may rarely bite the
tongue during a convulsion, but they can't swallow the tongue.
- Time the length of the
seizure.
Although it is difficult to do, try to use a watch
or the clock to measure how long the seizure lasts.
How can I take care of
my child?
- Treatment for previously
diagnosed convulsions
After the seizure is over, let your child sleep if
he wishes. The brain is temporarily exhausted, and there is no point
in trying to keep your child awake. There is no need to bring your
child to an emergency room for every seizure.
When you discuss your child's treatment with your
health care provider, ask if you should give your child an extra
dose of anticonvulsant medicine right after a seizure to prevent
another seizure. If your child has recently missed a dose of
anticonvulsant medicine, twice the usual dose may be needed.
Children taking certain anticonvulsant medicines
should have their blood tested periodically. Ask your doctor if and
when your child should have blood tests.
- Precautions
While most sports are safe, be certain your child
avoids activities that would be unsafe if he suddenly had a seizure.
These include activities at heights (for example, climbing a tree or
rope), cycling on a highway, or swimming alone. Wind surfing, scuba
diving, and hang gliding must also be avoided. Have him take showers
instead of baths and only when someone else is in the house.
When should I call my
child's health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child has never had a seizure before.
- The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. (Note: If
the seizure lasts more than 10 minutes, you probably should call an
ambulance. In general, a seizure won't hurt the brain unless it
continues for at least 30 minutes.)
- Your child has epilepsy and:
- The seizures are not in good control.
- Another seizure occurs.
- Your child stays confused or groggy for more
than 2 hours.
