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Warning-sign checks

Epilepsy in children: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if:

    • A seizure lasts five minutes or longer, unless the seizure plan says otherwise
    • Another seizure begins before the child recovers
    • The child has trouble breathing or does not regain their usual colour
    • The seizure happens in water
    • The child has a serious injury
    • The seizure or recovery is clearly different from usual
    • Rescue medicine has been given and the plan says to call

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    A first suspected seizure needs prompt medical assessment.

    Seek urgent advice if seizures become more frequent, recovery takes longer, medicine cannot be kept down, or behaviour or alertness changes markedly.

    Do not wait for a routine visit if there are new seizure types, worsening control, significant side effects, or developmental concerns.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up can address school plans, sleep, mild side effects, activity precautions, or an unchanged seizure pattern.

The article also says

During a convulsive seizure, protect the child's head, remove nearby hazards, and time the seizure.

Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.

When jerking stops, place them on their side if possible and stay with them during recovery.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Epilepsy in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.