Watching Laura shake was perhaps one of my most scariest parenting moments. However, I am a pretty calm person and when it comes to emergencies–I’m pretty quick thinking too. Only a doctor can tell you if your child’s seizure is related to the fever. If he’s young, has a high fever, and had a seizure after the fever started or spiked–there’s a very good chance it’s related to the fever. However, here’s what you should do if your child ever has a seizure:
1. DON’T PANIC! Know that febrile seizures in and of themselves are not harmful. The potential for harm lies in the baby injuring themselves while seizing so. . .
2. Make sure you put the infant down in a safe place and make sure they don’t hurt themselves. Don’t leave the infant to call anyone. Even if you leave him in the crib and are assured it’s safe–don’t leave him. You should NEVER hold or try to constrain your baby while he is having a seizure. ALWAYS put him down in a safe place. Also, when you lay him down, try to put him down on his side or stomach to prevent choking. Watch and wait until he is done seizing and then. . .
3. Call your doctor. Your doctor will want to see your baby. If it is after hours you should take your baby to the emergency room to be seen. You do not need to call 911 unless your baby is not breathing, or is unconscious.
4. Also, watch for signs that indicate that something may not be all right. Look for things like vomiting, lethargy, and just general crankiness. Know too, that even if your child displays all these things, he’s still likely okay. Remember that these are also all signs of being sick. However, it is important to note behavior during and after a seizure to help the doctors know how best to treat your baby.
If your child has recurring seizures, your doctor may prescribe anticonvulsants to be used only while your child has a fever. It is rare that a child needs to be hospitalized when he has a seizure.
Thankfully, the doctors determined that Laura seized because of the sudden spike in fever. Many things can cause this including just a plain old virus. Before Laura’s seizure I tended to stay away from unnecessary medications. Low grade fevers serve a purpose in our body (to help fight bacteria). However, Laura now has to take Tylenol or Motrin every time she has a fever. She has yet to have another seizure and we are so very thankful.
Related Articles: