Seizures in babies. What are the precautionary measures?
How to identify that my child is having a seizure?
If you observe your baby is lying still and eyes are wide open staring and not responding to your call, you can guess it is a mild seizure. Mild seizures usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
If you observe your baby becomes unconscious, falls to the floor, and twitches or waves hands, he may be having a more serious seizure. The serious seizure will last only two to three minutes, but in rare cases they last longer, and he may lose bowel and bladder control.
There are many different types of seizures and they can last anywhere from a few moments to more than half an hour. In most cases during a seizure white foamy saliva will flow from the mouth.
What should I do when my baby is having a seizure?
- Keep monitoring the temperature of the baby. Mild seizures are caused due to high fever.
- The body posture of the baby may be scary, but do not panic and waste time. Be brave and take care of the baby. Do not leave the baby alone. Keep track of how long the seizure lasts. Call for a doctor and seek medical advise. You need to console your baby and not break down.
- If saliva is coming from the mouth, tilt the baby to one side such that the baby does not choke or consume the same saliva and it will prevent baby’s tongue going back and blocking the air pipe. Wipe the saliva that is coming from the mouth
- You will observe the baby taking deep breath. Loosen tight clothing .
- Do not try to stop the twitching movements by jerking the baby. Never sprinkle water on the baby.
- If the seizure is taking a longer time then shift the baby to a side and ensure he does not get hurt with the surroundings. Keep the surroundings free of articles. Keep away sharp objects.
- Preferably place baby on ground level to avoid fall. Avoid neck falling back in case you are carrying the baby to the doctor.
- Do not try to open your baby’s mouth or place anything between his teeth. This could injure the gums or break his teeth.
- Sometimes neighbors and elders in the family may gather around the baby and prevent fresh air from coming in. Ensure proper air circulation.
- Change clothing if baby has urinated or passed stools.
- If you have a caretaker or nanny to take care of the baby in your absence do update them about the symptoms, condition and how to handle the baby. Educate them to avoid any lapses.
The baby generally goes for a long sleep as he is exhausted. The mother can call up the Doctor and take medical advise. The baby will be dull for a day or two and resume normalcy again. Your bouncy little bundle should be kept free from infections leading to high fever.
Precaution is better than care. Therefore do your best to protect your baby and enjoy being a mother.
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