What to Do If Your Child Has a Seizure

Seeing your child have a seizure can be scary. It helps to know the signs and how to keep your child safe if it happens.

• Confused speech
• Wandering
• Shaking or jerky movements
• Blank staring

DO:

• Stay with them until the seizure is over
• Time the seizure
• Loosen any jewelry or clothing around the neck
• Move sharp objects out of the way
• Help them sit or lie down
• Place a soft object under their head
• Turn them on their side

DON’T:

• Hold them down or stop their movements
• Put anything in their mouth
• Attempt CPR
• Give them food or water

Seizures in newborns look different from seizures in adults. If you believe a baby is having a seizure, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.

How to Spot Seizures in Babies

Symptoms vary and may include:

• Chest: Abnormal breathing; upper body suddenly jerks forward
• Head: Changes in facial expression
• Arms: Jerking or stiffening that can alternate from side to side
• Legs: Lurch up toward the belly with knees bent

Reasons to call 9-1-1 if a child or adult is having a seizure:

• It’s their first seizure
• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• They have trouble breathing after the seizure
• They are injured
• They ask for medical help