When a child is having a seizure, it’s an extremely frightening experience for a parent. It’s important to know what to do should your child have a seizure so you can avoid panic and foster a quick recovery.
Possible Causes of Seizure
When children have seizures, many parents automatically assume the cause is epilepsy. But many childhood seizures are caused by:
- high fevers;
- infection;
- low blood sugar; or
- drug withdrawal.
The tending doctor will:
- thoroughly evaluate your child;
- perform diagnostic tests; and
- determine if there the child has risk for future seizures.
A seizure can also occur when children have a negative reaction to a medication or do not receive the appropriate medical care they need. If your child’s injury is related to medical negligence, you’ll want to seek out legal advice straightaway.
Four Steps to Take if Your Child Has a Seizure
The first thing to remember if your child begins having seizure episode is not to panic. We understand that this is easier said than done, but keeping your presence of mind will better enable you to follow proper seizure procedures and help your child in his time of need.
If your child has a seizure:
- #1: Move the child to a safe location. Remove anything that could cause harm, e.g., out of the tub, off of high surfaces, away from sharp objects or objects that could fall, etc.
- #2: Roll the child onto his or her side. Children sometimes vomit during a seizure and this will prevent choking and keep the air passage free.
- #3: Be reassuring as the child regains consciousness. Remain calm and friendly as consciousness returns.
- #4: Take your child to the emergency room for an evaluation after the episode ceases.
Call 911 immediately if:
- your child’s seizure lasts for more than five minutes;
- he or she has another seizure after the first seizure;
- you cannot wake the child;
- she has a health condition; or
- the child is injured during the seizure.
What Not to Do during a Child’s Seizure
Avoid restraining the child’s movements during the seizure. Also, avoid sticking your finger or another object into your child’s mouth. Your child could bite your finger or other objects could damage the child’s mouth (teeth, tongue, jaw). People who are having a seizure cannot swallow their tongues.
To reiterate, do not panic. After the seizure, take your child calmly to the hospital for assessment and treatment.
When Your Child’s Seizure Was Related to Medical Malpractice
There are instances in which medical negligence contributes to a child’s seizure-related injuries. When this happens, the parents can file a claim against the responsible parties for restitution.
For instance, a young child in Massachusetts was having a critical seizure and the ambulance service was unable to unlock the cabinet that contained seizure control medication. The child suffered profound brain injuries as a result, and the ambulance service was held liable for damages.
If your child has suffered injury because of the negligence of another party, contact us at Chalik & Chalik today for a free consultation at (855) 529-0269.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
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