This handout outlines the steps to give first aid during a seizure. A seizure is a spontaneous electrical discharge of the cells in the brain that can cause a change in how the child acts. Some seizures cause a blank stare, others may cause unconsciousness and body jerking.

Tonic-clonic ("Grand Mal") Seizure
     During the seizure: The child may fall, stiffen, and make jerking movements. They may look pale or blue from difficult breathing. Loss of bowel or bladder control may occur.

• Try and remain calm.
• Note, if you can, the time the seizure began.
• Place child in a comfortable position on his/her side on the floor with something soft under the head. A jacket or sweater will do fine. There may be increased saliva.
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• If child wears glasses, remove them.
• Clear the area of hard and sharp objects.
• Do not try to restrain the child - you cannot stop the seizure so let it run its course.
• DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING INTO THE CHILD'S MOUTH.
• Be reassuring and supportive when the seizure is over. A child may be confused and/or tired after a seizure and may wish to sleep.
• A child may urinate or have a bowel movement during a seizure. This is beyond his/her control; offer comfort and reassurance.

Complex Partial Seizures
     During the seizure: The child may have a glassy stare, give no response or an inappropriate response when questioned, sit, stand, or walk about, make lip smacking or chewing motions, fidget with clothes, appear to be drunk, drugged, or even look confused and disoriented.

• Do not try to restrain the child, except to prevent injury.
• Do not leave child alone during the seizure.
• Do not agitate or approach the child/teen who is angry or aggressive.
• Reassure and re-orient the child when the seizure is over.

Absence ("Petit Mal") Seizures
     During the seizure: These seizures present as brief staring spells or quick periods of inattention. These seizures may be so subtle that they are hard to recognize. A child may need to have instructions repeated which is especially important in the school setting.

Calling for help
     If your child has a seizure disorder, you do not need to call an ambulance when seizures recur. But do call your child's doctor as a change in the medication may provide better seizure control.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS SEIZURES LASTING LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES, THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND YOUR CHILD SHOULD BE TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM. CALL 911.