First Aid & Emergencies
Seizures in Children
Call 911 if the child:
- Has a seizure
- Has trouble breathing
- Turns blue
- Hits his head before or during a seizure
- Is unconscious for several minutes
- Might have ingested anything poisonous
Seeing a child have a seizure is frightening, and you should seek emergency help to be safe. But seizures often don't cause serious health problems. Febrile seizures, which happen during a fever, can be common in toddlers.
Call Doctor If:
Even if your child has had a seizure before and your pediatrician has told you what to do, you should still call your pediatrician.
If your child is breathing normally, keep him safe:
- Place your child on the floor and clear away objects that are close.
- Loosen tight clothing surrounding the head or neck.
- Don't put anything in your child's mouth.
- If your child vomits, move him onto his side and clear out his mouth.
- Don't try to hold your child down or restrain his movements.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Renee A. Alli, MD on August 18, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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