It can be terrifying to witness your child having a seizure as a parent. While seizures are fairly common in infants, they can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If your baby has a seizure, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Seizures are a symptom of many different conditions, so it is important to talk to your doctor if your baby has them. There are many different types of seizures, varying in severity. Some seizures may last for only a few seconds, while others can last for minutes or even hours.
What to Do if Your Child Has a Seizure
Seizures are one of the most frightening things to a baby. They can happen without warning and be very frightening for the baby and their parents.
No parent wants to see their child in pain, but sometimes seizures are unavoidable. If your baby is having a seizure, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:
- First, make sure the area around your baby is safe. Clear away any sharp objects or loose items that could injure them.
- Next, gently hold your baby and help them to lie on its side. This will help to prevent them from choking on their tongue or vomiting.
- Watch the seizure carefully and time it. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if your baby appears to be in distress, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Do not try to stop the seizure by force. This could cause your baby more harm than good.
- Once the seizure has ended, help your baby to sit up or lie down in a comfortable position. Offer them a drink of water if they are old enough.
Types of Baby Seizure
Around the world, it is estimated that about 1 in 100 people have some form of seizure disorder. In the United States, that number is closer to 3 million. And while most of us think of seizures as something that only happens to adults, children can have them, too. Here are the different types of baby seizures:
Subtle seizures
One type of seizure that can occur in babies is known as a subtle seizure. These seizures can be hard to spot because they may not look like the classic seizure that we typically think of. A baby with a subtle seizure may look like they are daydreaming or not paying attention. They may have a far-off stare and not respond when their name is called. Subtle seizures can last for a few seconds or a minute.
These types of seizures can be difficult to detect because they don’t necessarily involve the same overt physical symptoms that other types of seizures do. Instead, subtle seizures often involve more subtle changes in behavior or cognition.
Tonic seizures
Tonic seizures are the most common type of seizure in infants. They usually last for a few seconds and involve the baby’s whole body becoming stiff. Tonic seizures often occur when the baby is asleep.
Clonic seizures
This type of seizure is characterized by muscle jerking and twitching. It usually lasts for a few seconds to a minute and then goes away on its own. If your baby has a clonic seizure, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Tonic-clonic seizures
When a person has a tonic-clonic seizure, they experience a loss of consciousness and muscle control. It is the most common type of seizure and can be caused by various things. Epilepsy is the most common cause of tonic-clonic seizures, but it can also be caused by head injuries, brain tumors, and certain infections.
Treatment for Baby Seizure
If your baby has a seizure, it can be a scary experience. Seizures are a type of neurological disorder that can cause your baby to have uncontrollable muscle spasms. There are many different types of seizures, varying in severity. Treatment for baby seizures depends on the type of seizure your baby is experiencing.
Once medical professionals assess your baby, they will determine the best course of treatment. This may include medication, observation, or a combination of both.
In some cases, seizures can be managed with medication, while other children may require surgery. If you’re looking for additional treatment options for seizures, you can check out epilepsy clinical trials at Power. With the proper treatment, most children with seizures can lead healthy, normal lives.
It is important to keep in mind that seizures can be unpredictable, so it is important to have a plan in place in case your child has a seizure. If your child is having a seizure, try to stay calm and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.