Many children will have seizures during their childhood. Although seizures can be a frightening experience for a child and their parents, they usually only last a few minutes, stop on their own, and are almost never life threatening.
Handling a seizure
- Gently place the child on the floor or ground.
- Remove any nearby objects.
- Do not try to restrain the child, and do not try to put anything into the child’s mouth. This will cause more harm, and it isn’t necessary.
- Roll the child onto his or her side after the seizure is over in case they vomit, or try to keep the child on his or her side if they vomit during the seizure.
- Call your doctor and let them know about the seizure.
Additional information:
Seek emergency medical care if…
- The child has never had a seizure before
- He or she has a seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes
- Is having repeated seizures
- Stops breathing or turns a bluish color on the lips, tongue, or face
- Remains unconscious or unresponsive for more than a few minutes after a seizure
- Falls or hits their head during a seizure
- Has a heart condition
- Seems ill or has any other symptom that concerns you