Imagine that your child is sitting on the couch watching television. Suddenly his entire body starts shaking and you are frightened as to what is occurring. Your child may be experiencing a seizure. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, a seizure occurs when the brain cells continue to fire electrical activity in a disorganized manner. Symptoms can also include loss of consciousness and momentary confusion. There are specific steps to manage seizures in children.
Step 1
Clear the area surrounding your child when he is experiencing a seizure. This prevents your child from harming himself.
Step 2
Loosen any tight clothing or remove jewelry from around his neck. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, this can constrict your child's airflow.
Step 3
Support your child's head and turn him to his right side to help him breathe. Do not open his mouth because this can lead to injury.
Step 4
Stay calm and get immediate help.
Step 5
Go to your pediatrician and obtain a prescription for anti-seizure medications. These medications can stop seizures or decrease the intensity and frequency of their occurrence, according to the Mayo Clinic. Discuss with your pediatrician which anti-seizure medications are best suited for your child.
Step 6
Follow a ketogenic diet. This is a special diet consisting of high fats and low carbohydrates. Your body will break down fats rather than carbohydrates and your child's seizure occurrences will decrease. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to start your child on a ketogenic diet.
Step 7
Visit a surgeon and schedule a vagus nerve stimulation surgery. The vagus nerve is a bundle of fibers located along your neck and in your chest to control your heart rate. In this surgery, a vagus nerve stimulator is placed inside your chest. For unknown reasons, the vagus nerve stimulator can decrease your child's seizures by 30 to 40 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 8
Make sure that your child gets at least eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can trigger seizures.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-seizure medications
