Question
How should parents care for their child at home during an epileptic seizure?
Answer
When a child has an epileptic seizure, parents should quickly place the child on their side, without a pillow, to prevent biting the tongue. Tilt the child’s head to one side to allow secretions to drain naturally, avoiding the risk of aspiration pneumonia or suffocation. At the same time, loosen tight clothing, such as ties or overly tight garments. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if a second seizure occurs immediately after the first one, and the patient has not regained consciousness, call emergency services immediately and take the child to the hospital’s emergency department.