Question
How should one care for a child during a seizure?
Answer
During a child’s seizure, it is important to avoid giving them foods that are high in sugar and those that are stimulating. It is also advisable to limit the intake of foods that are considered to be ‘aggravating’ such as mutton, dog meat, rooster, and carp. Additionally, alcohol, strong tea, and coffee should be completely avoided, as should the intake of spicy condiments such as pepper, chili peppers, mustard, onions, and garlic. It is recommended to consume foods that are low in potassium, such as heart of bok choy, red radishes, white radishes, celery, pumpkin, tomato, eggplant, onion, cucumber, winter melon, zucchini, and pear, apple, and pineapple. Furthermore, it is important to consume foods rich in magnesium such as millet, corn, red beans, soybeans, bean curd sheets, green vegetables, celery, beef liver, and chicken. For epileptic patients, it is also important to ensure adequate calcium intake by consuming foods such as milk and tofu which are high in protein and calcium. During a seizure it is important to note the following:
- To protect the tongue during the seizure, a gauze-wrapped tongue depressor can be placed between the upper and lower teeth when the child shows premonitory symptoms to prevent biting the tongue.
- Ensure the child lies down to prevent falling and getting injured suddenly.
- As secretions in the respiratory tract increase during the seizure.