Coping with Seizures in Children
Only about 1 in 10 people will ever have a seizure in their life. Children who have seizures may have only one and never have another. Other children may have seizures once in a while, or many times a day. And though seizures can be scary for parents and caregivers, they aren’t painful and are usually brief.
What to do if your child has a seizure
A convulsive seizure is also known as a major motor seizure or a grand mal seizure. If your child shows signs of having this type of seizure:
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Stay calm.
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Make sure the child is breathing.
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Roll the child onto their side.
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Place the child on the ground in a safe area.
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Remove any nearby objects that the child might hit.
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Loosen any clothing around the child’s head and neck.
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Remain with your child until the seizure is over.
Watch and be able to describe what happened before, during, and after the seizure. Try to look at a watch or clock to know how long the seizure lasts.
If your child has medicine to stop a seizure while it happens, make sure you know how to use it.
If your child has a vagus nerve stimulator to treat seizures, follow the instructions you were given to activate it.
What not to do during and after a seizure
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Don't try to restrain the child’s movements.
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Don't put anything in the child’s mouth.
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Don't wake the child if they fall asleep after the seizure.
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Don't give the child anything to eat or drink until they are awake and alert.
Keeping your child safe
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Develop a list of safety measures with your healthcare provider to prevent injury to your child when they have a seizure.
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Carefully monitor activities such as swimming and bathing to keep your child safe in the case of a seizure.
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Tell other caretakers of your child’s condition. Instruct them on how to respond to a seizure if it happens.
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If your child is on medicine, make sure they take it as prescribed.
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Keep track of the number of remaining pills and refills. Call your healthcare provider for refills if they are running low.
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Talk with your healthcare provider about when and if it will be safe for your child to learn to drive and obtain a driver's license.
Call 911
Call 911 if your child:
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Has trouble breathing
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Has bluish skin
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Has a heart condition
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Hurts themselves during the seizure
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Has a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes
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Has a seizure that seems different than usual
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Remains unconscious, unresponsive, or confused for more than 5 minutes after the seizure
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joseph Campellone MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
9/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.