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Seizure

Information for Parents and Carers

When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

  • The first time your child has had a fit (seizure)
  • Has a fit that lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • They have one fit after another without being awake in between
  • They are seriously injured during the fit
  • Remain drowsy or confused more than an hour after their fit
  • Has weakness of the arms or legs, visual difficulties (double vision) ordifficulty speaking after the fit has stopped
  • They have trouble breathing after the fit has stopped
  • Breathing very fast or breathing that stops or pauses
  • Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs (recession), or noisy breathing (grunting)
  • Becomes pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch
  • Has a rash that does not go away with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

  • Has another fit (less than 5 minutes) within the same illness
  • Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
  • Dry skin, lips, tongue or looking pale
  • Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 12 hours
  • Temperature of 38oC or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
  • Getting worse and I am still worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to
either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your
child has not developed any red features

Seizure lasting less than 5 minutes with full recovery in a child with previous febrile
convulsions or known epilepsy

  • Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
  • If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

 

Survey for parents/carers - what was the outcome of you looking at this page?

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.