Page 169 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

FIRST AID 167

Febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are fairly common in children, particularly
WARNING
between the ages of 1 and 4 years. In most cases, they are
triggered by a high temperature during an illness. At first the Call 911 immediately if a child loses
consciousness. Even if the child
child is hot, flushed, and sweaty, the eyes may roll upward,
doesn’t become fully unconscious,
and the child may arch his or her back and clench the fists. a doctor must see him or her as
He or she may become unconscious, and there may be shaking soon as possible to rule out an
and twitching of the limbs and body. Normally, the seizure underlying medical condition.
passes quickly, but it is important to cool the child down.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Helping during a febrile seizure the child from injury, to cool him or her down, and then to
Although febrile seizures often look alarming, they are seek medical advice to eliminate any serious underlying
unlikely to cause lasting harm to the child if they are dealt causes for the seizure. If the child becomes unconscious
with properly and promptly. Your priorities are to protect at any time during a febrile seizure, call an ambulance.

Place pillows, cushions, Undress the child
or soft padding around down to the under-
1 the child so that even 2 pants, and ensure a
violent movement will supply of fresh, cool
not result in injury. air by opening a
While the child is having window if possible.
a seizure, do not try to
move him or her or put Gently remove
anything in the mouth. clothing to
cool the child

Put rolled-up
towels on both
sides of the head

Once the seizure has stopped, If the child loses consciousness
encourage the child to lie on briefly (see UNCONSCIOUSNESS,
3 his or her side and cover him 4 p.168), call 911. Put him or
or her with a light blanket or her in the recovery position
sheet. When the child wakes, (see p.169) and monitor and
you can give the recommended record the level of response,
dose of acetaminophen (see Put a light cover pulse, and breathing regularly
p.177) or ibuprofen (see p.185) over the child until medical help arrives.
if he or she is fully conscious,
but only if you are
treating your own
child. Seek
medical advice.