Epileptic seizure: first aid for your child

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disease of the central nervous system. In normal brain function, the electrical impulses and chemical signals in the nerve cells are coordinated. However, if an epileptic seizure occurs, many nerve cells discharge at once. Similar to a thunderstorm, only in your child’s mind. This then leads to spasms and spasms in the body.

An epileptic seizure does not make epilepsy

Doctors distinguish between the chronic disease and an epileptic seizure. One only speaks of epilepsy when two or more seizures have occurred. Febrile seizures are also epileptic seizures and can occur even in babies. In this case one does not speak of epilepsy, but of a so-called occasional seizure. Such will z. B. caused by fever , head injuries or encephalitis. Epilepsy is a long-term change in the brain that manifests itself in recurring seizures.

Epileptic seizure: causes

The exact reasons for an epileptic seizure cannot always be named. In the case of a chronic disease, there is a change in the structure of the nerve cells or a disturbance in the metabolism. Occasional seizures can have different causes. The most common are: fever, poisoning , lack of oxygen or damage to the brain from a head injury, and encephalitis.

Epileptic seizure: what to do?

• Try to stay calm at first. Many seizures stop after a short time. Put objects that could hurt your child out of reach
• Place a pillow or piece of clothing under your child’s head to keep them from hitting hard when they convulse
• If your child wears glasses, you should take them off
• Loose fitting clothing
• After the seizure, place your child in the recovery position (your baby in the prone position)
• If the epileptic seizure lasts longer than three minutes, your child should be given emergency medication

Precautions in epilepsy

• Never let your child bathe alone. Showering is generally better suited. The bathroom door must not be locked so that you can help in an emergency
• A child with epilepsy should not sleep in a bunk bed as they could fall off and seriously injure themselves if they had an epileptic seizure
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep, because over-tiredness can also lead to a seizure
• Make sure he always takes his medication

Accept illness, don’t ignore it

For many parents, it is initially a shock to learn that their child has epilepsy. In most cases, the disease goes away on its own as the growth progresses. However, parents often make the mistake of leaving their child in the dark about their suffering. In any case, it is better and makes more sense if you speak openly with your child about the disease. It is also not necessary to overprotect your child. It can participate in all activities. Even swimming, under supervision, is allowed. Just inform the kindergarten and school about your child’s clinical picture so that teachers or educators know and can help in an emergency.