First Aid & Emergencies

Seizures in Children

• 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 your child safe:

• Place your child on the floor on his or her side and clear away objects that are in close proximity.
• Loosen tight clothing surrounding the head or neck.
• Don't put anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizures in any way.
• If your child vomits, move him onto his side and clear out his mouth.
• Don't try to hold your child down or restrain her movements.