How do I make sure my child is safe?

The seizure itself is rarely a major threat to a child. The hazards relate more to what your child is doing when a seizure happens. If seizures are under control for several months, most activities are safe. It's important not to overprotect a child with seizures. Try the following suggestions to make sure your child is safe.

* Have your child take showers instead of baths to prevent drowning, and lower the temperature of your water heater. Don't let a child of any age who has seizures take a bath without constant supervision by an adult.

* Don't let a child with seizures swim until she's had no seizures for 3 months. She should always be well supervised by a responsible adult who's strong enough to pull her out of the water in case of an emergency. If your child swims in a lake, always have her wear a life jacket.

* Bike riding in traffic is dangerous for any child, but more so for children with seizures. After your child has no seizures for several months, she can ride her bike in nontraffic areas. Always have her wear a helmet!!

* Skiing or any other activity that poses a risk to your child's safety should be avoided until your child's doctor approves them. This is usually after seizures are controlled for 3 months or more. Call the doctor if you're unsure about an activity.

How do I help my child if she is having a seizure?

* Help her lie on her right side and turn her head to the side if possible so saliva or vomiting doesn't result in choking.

* Keep objects away from her face to help breathing and prevent injury.

* DON'T try to put anything into her mouth or between her teeth. Your child can't swallow her tongue and tongue biting is rare. Placing an object in her mouth may break teeth and cause choking.

* Protect your child from banging her head or body against sharp or hard objects. If possible, place something soft and flat under her head.

* Don't restrain flailing arms or legs. Instead, move objects out of her way.

* If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or seizures are continuous, call 911.

After the seizure[horizontal ellipsis]

* Let your child lie quietly until she wakes up.

* Reorient her to her surroundings and recent events if necessary.

* If your child isn't breathing, call 911 and start CPR.

* Record an accurate description of the seizure, including the length of the seizure, and the activity before, during, and after the seizure. This assists you and your health care provider in monitoring seizure activity.

* Call your doctor to report the seizure activity.

Do seizures cause complications?

Seizures themselves rarely cause physical or mental complications. Because seizures may be one sign of an underlying problem, physical, mental, and emotional complications are usually caused by the same underlying problem.

At times, side effects from seizure medicines may worsen a learning or behavior problem. If you see changes in your child's behavior or learning-or you have concerns about behavior, intelligence, or learning-let your doctor and appropriate school personnel know.

Where can I get more information?

You can get more specific information from your child's doctor. You can also request information from the Epilepsy Foundation of America at 1-800-EFA-1000.