Seizures

In some children we never discover the cause for seizures, but in the majority of children between the ages of six months and five years seizures (also known as febrile seizures) are caused by a rise in body temperature.

Young children's brains are more easily affected by this than adults; the irritation stimulates the nerves that control the muscles, which in turn react by contracting violently.

When having a seizure your child will become unconscious and will twitch uncontrollably. His eyes will roll up and he may froth at the mouth slightly. His breathing will be heavy and his teeth will be firmly clamped; he may become incontinent during the seizure. When the seizure is over your child will fall asleep - he may drift straight off or he may briefly come to and then sleep deeply.

What to do

Never leave your child alone. Although you may desperately want to call for help you must stay by your child until the seizure is over to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Loosen his clothing and remove any nearby furniture in case he kicks or rolls against it, but don't try to restrain him. Don't try to place anything in his mouth. Contrary to popular belief, people rarely bite or swallow their tongues during a seizure and you could do more damage by trying to prize open his jaws. Once the seizure is over, place him in the recovery position and call for medical help.

If your child has a seizure of this sort, try to prevent high fevers from occurring in the future. Remove extra clothing and blankets when he gets hot and give him regular doses of children's paracetamol and ibuprofen. Alternate the two in order to bring a reduction in fever and then a steady control of the temperature.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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