.png)
When your child experiences a febrile seizure at home, parents must stay calm and follow specific steps to ensure the child's safety. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:
Stay Calm
Remain composed. Your calmness will help you manage the situation effectively.
Ensure Safety
Move the child to a safe area. If the child is near any furniture, walls, or objects that could cause injury during the seizure, gently move them away.
Place the child on a flat surface. Ideally, place them on the floor to prevent any risk of falling.
Positioning
Lay the child on their side. This helps to keep the airway clear and reduces the risk of choking, especially if the child vomits or has excessive saliva.
Do not restrain the child. Let the seizure run its course; restraining can cause injury.
Time the Seizure
Use a watch or phone timer to time the seizure—febrile seizures typically last less than 5 minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Do Not Insert Anything into the Child's Mouth
Avoid putting anything in the mouth. This includes not placing fingers, spoons, or objects which could cause injury or obstruct the airway.
Monitor Breathing
Check for normal breathing. It’s common for the child’s breathing to be irregular during the seizure, but it should return to normal afterward. If breathing doesn't normalize after the seizure, seek emergency help.
Comfort the Child Post-Seizure
Stay with your child. Once the seizure stops, your child may be sleepy or confused. Reassure them as they recover. Wait to give food or drink. Wait until they are fully alert and responsive.
Assess the Situation
Check the child's temperature. A fever usually triggers febrile seizures. Use a thermometer to measure the child’s temperature once they recover from the seizure.
Administer Fever-Reducing Medication
After the seizure, check for fever. If the child is awake, alert, and able to swallow, give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce fever.
Acetaminophen dosage:
Infants (under 24 lbs or 11 kg): 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not exceed five doses in 24 hours.
Children (24-35 lbs or 11-16 kg): 160 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Children (36-47 lbs or 16-21 kg): 240 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Children (48-59 lbs or 22-27 kg): 320 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
Ibuprofen dosage:
Infants (6 months and older): 5-10 mg/kg every 6-8 hours as needed. Do not exceed four doses in 24 hours.
Children (24-35 lbs or 11-16 kg): 100 mg every 6-8 hours as needed.
Children (36-47 lbs or 16-21 kg): 150 mg every 6-8 hours as needed.
Children (48-59 lbs or 22-27 kg): 200 mg every 6-8 hours as needed.
Note: Do not give infants under six months of ibuprofen without medical advice. Never give aspirin to children, as it is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but severe illness.
Seek Medical Advice
Contact your healthcare provider. Even if the seizure was brief and the child appears to recover fully, it’s essential to inform the doctor. They can help determine the cause of the fever and advise on any necessary steps. Emergency care is needed if:
The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
The child has difficulty breathing after the seizure.
Another seizure occurs shortly after the first.
The child is not regaining consciousness or remains very drowsy.
Plan for Future Episodes
Learn and prepare. If your child has had a febrile seizure, there’s a slightly increased chance of having another. Discuss with your doctor how to manage fevers in the future and what steps to take if another seizure occurs.
Anti-Epileptic Medication Use During Febrile Seizures
In most cases, febrile seizures do not require anti-epileptic medication. However, suppose your child has a history of prolonged or recurrent febrile seizures. In that case, your healthcare provider might prescribe a rescue medication, such as rectal diazepam or intranasal/buccal midazolam, for use during an episode.
Diazepam (Rectal): Typically prescribed for seizures lasting more than 5 minutes. The dosage is usually 0.5 mg/kg for infants (6 months to 3 years) and 0.3 mg/kg for children (3 years and older).
Midazolam (Intranasal or Buccal): Prescribed for prolonged seizures or repeated seizures occurring in a short period. The dosage is typically 0.2 mg/kg based on your child’s weight.
These medications should only be used if specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider, and you should seek emergency medical care if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures occur.
Conclusion:
While febrile seizures are frightening, they are generally not dangerous and do not cause long-term health issues. You can effectively manage these episodes by staying calm, ensuring your child’s safety, and knowing when to seek medical help. Always consult your healthcare provider to develop a plan tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring you’re prepared to handle future occurrences.
Comments