When a child has a seizure, this is what you have to do

Seizures in children are a frightening thing for parents. Moreover, children aged 6 months to 5 years are especially prone to experiencing febrile seizures, especially when your child has a high fever. Often times, we as parents panic when we see our children suddenly have seizures, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time. Therefore, it is very important for us to know the characteristics of seizures and how the first proper treatment at home when a child has a seizure, so that the child's condition does not get worse.

Recognize the features and signs when a child has a seizure

Not all seizures involve continuous shock movements throughout the body. Seizures have a variety of features. Two different children, even if they have seizures, can give a different picture depending on the type of seizure. In general, the appearance of a seizure can be:

• Absences. Children suddenly stop their activities, look silent and motionless, staring blankly. Often thought to be daydreaming. There is no response when touched.
• Myoclonic.The hands, feet or both suddenly buckle and the child is usually still conscious.
• Tonic-clonic. The child suddenly made a loud sound (ictal cry), lost consciousness and fell. The child's body then stiffens, the lips turn blue and foam comes out of the mouth, and the breath stops. Then the child begins to breathe shallowly and sag in the hands and feet. When the seizure is over, the child may wet the bed or have a bowel movement.
• Atonic. The child's body suddenly felt weak and fell.

First aid when the child has a seizure

When your child has a seizure, the first thing you should do is calm yourself and don't panic. After that, you can start doing the following things with your child:

1. Place your child lying on the side facing the side to prevent saliva or vomit from getting into the airways.
2. Place a pillow-like base under the child's head.
3. Place the child on a flat surface and not crowded with people, and keep the child away from dangerous objects such as objects made of glass.
4. Loosen the child's clothes to make it more comfortable to breathe.
5. If your child has a fever, give fever-reducing medication that is inserted through the anus (if available at home).
6. Always remember the duration of your child's seizures, this info is important for doctors in diagnosing seizures in children.
7. When the seizure is over, your child may feel drowsy or still be unconscious. Continue to supervise the child until the child is awake and fully conscious.
8. Give your child a break after the seizure.
9. Immediately take your child to the hospital for further treatment and diagnosis

What not to do when the child has a seizure

Some things you shouldn't do with your child during a seizure:

• Do not put anything in the child's mouth as this could injure you or the child. In addition, teeth can break and enter the airway causing obstruction of the airway. No need to worry about swallowing your tongue.
• Do not give food or drink when the child has a seizure.
• Do not try to hold your child's body during the seizure.

Seizures do look scary and we need to be aware of them. However, with the right first treatment we can prevent unwanted events when the seizure occurs. Don't forget to take your child to the doctor for follow-up and explain to the doctor everything that happened to your child in detail to help the doctor determine a diagnosis.

How to prevent febrile seizures in children

Fever seizures can actually be prevented by giving fever-reducing drugs that are safe for consumption by children, such as paracetamol. In order for it to be easy and comfortable to consume, provide a liquid medicine preparation (syrup). While babies who are not able to swallow or take medication orally, you can give enema preparations or use drugs rectally (rectally).

Furthermore, you can apply warm compresses to the forehead, armpits, and body folds. Give the child a lot to drink to help lower the temperature. After that, try to take the child's temperature with a thermometer to see if the fever has subsided.

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