C. S. MOTT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Pediatric Neurology
Room 12-733
1540 E. Hospital Drive SPC 4279
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-4279
SEIZURE EMERGENCY CARE
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HOME AND SCHOOL
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Do not lift or shake the child.
Position the child on his/her side or in a safe position. This will help prevent
aspiration should he or she vomit.
Try to prevent head or bodily injury during the seizure by moving dangerous objects from
range of the child. Place a small folded blanket or other cushioning under the head if it is
moving violently.
Do not put anything in his/her mouth. Biting the tongue is less dangerous than having a
finger bitten off or knocking a tooth into the lungs and your child cannot "swallow"
his/her tongue.
Do not restrain.
Be prepared to call an ambulance, if necessary.
Time seizure.
Watch breathing.
Allow the child to sleep after a seizure if needed.
CALL AN AMBULANCE IF:
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The child stops breathing.
The skin looks blue. This first may be noticed around mouth or nail beds.
The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes (even if color is good and breathing is normal).
DO NOT attempt to drive with the child if he/she is having a seizure (unless you live in an area
with inadequate ambulance service). CALL AN AMBULANCE as instructed above.
FOR SCHOOLS:
Notify the parents about the episode, by telephone, as per the understanding that exists with the
parents. Also keep written record of the spell to share with the parents and the emergency
personnel if appropriate.
FOR HOME:
If your child recovers spontaneously from the seizure and does not require emergency treatment,
call your local pediatrician during working hours to obtain further instructions.
Return Visit Appointments
(734) 936-4185
New Patient Appointments
(734) 936-4179
Facsimile
(734) 763-7551
C. S. MOTT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Pediatric Neurology
Room 12-733
1540 E. Hospital Drive SPC 4279
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-4279
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SEIZURES
Every child with a seizure disorder is different. Each child must be looked at individually in
regard to his or her frequency of seizures, type of seizure, age, and importance of the activity.
Please discuss these issues and activities with your child's physician.
BIKING/ ROLLER BLADING: The child must wear a bike helmet at all times while riding a
bike or roller blading. He/she should ride on the sidewalk and away from traffic. Please review
with your health care provider the risks involved for your child. Certainly a child with daily
seizures should not ride his/her bike until better seizure control is obtained.
SWIMMING: The child should never swim alone. The child must be well supervised by
someone who can save him or her and is trained in CPR.
BATHING: Never leave the child alone in the bath. For older children and teens, showers are
preferable to baths. Bathroom doors should be unlocked. A seizure in the bathroom is risky due
to the hard surfaces.
BEDROOM: Your child should not be sleeping in the top bunk of a bunk bed. If your child has
night time seizures, consider placing a monitor in the room, which may alert you to the sound of
a seizure
CLIMBING: It is recommended that your child avoid heights. It is not recommended for the
child to climb in trees or on high playground equipment.
SPORTS: Each sport must be evaluated individually. Football is not advised due to the
increased risk of head injury. Most sports are fine if the child's seizures are reasonably controlled
and adequate supervision is available.
DRIVING: The teen must be seizure-free for six months before he/she can drive. Driver's
training usually can be taken if seizures are controlled.
SCHOOL/CAMP: Discuss your child's seizure type, any restrictions in activities and what to do
if he or she has a seizure, with appropriate personnel.
BABYSITTING: 1.) When you hire a baby sitter for your child, the history and management of
seizures should be discussed. 2.) If your child is a teenager, his or her ability to baby sit will
depend on the nature of the seizures. Please discuss this with your doctor. You should also
inform the parents hiring your child about the history of seizures.
SKIING: Whether your child may ski will of course depend on the type and severity of your
child’s seizures. In any case, a child with a history of seizures should not go on a chair lift alone
or without someone who could restrain and protect him or her should a seizure occur. Please
discuss this with your child’s neurologist.
Remember that common sense plus careful evaluation of the risks of injury will help your child
to be as active and involved in everyday activities as possible.
Return Visit Appointments
(734) 936-4185
New Patient Appointments
(734) 936-4179
Facsimile
(734) 763-7551