Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain which can be of several types. The type of seizure that most people are familiar with is the tonic-clonic type which causes the child to lose consciousness and develop uncontrolled jerking movements of the body. This can be one of the most frightening events in a child’s life for his or her parents. Most parents are afraid that their child will stop breathing or even die during a seizure. This is almost never the case. If your child should have seizure, place the child on her back or side and turn her head to the side to prevent aspiration of stomach contents into the trachea in case of vomiting. The tongue should be protected as best you can. Your child should then be taken to the nearest emergency room or call 911. We should be notified of your arrival so that the cause of the seizure can be identified and appropriate treatment instituted.  Please know that most seizures in young children are due to the presence of fever and are not serious.

Reviewed by Dr. Byrum on 3/22/17