Recently, celebrity host and actress Ain Edruce shared in her Instagram stories some terrifying cctv footage of her husband and helper panicking when her daughter experienced a seizure due to high fever.
The video showed her husband carrying their daughter towards the kitchen sink to what looks like- trying to cool down her body temperature with some water before running around frantically to grab his car keys to what we assumed to drive her to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Febrile seizures can be a scary experience for parents, but understanding what to do can make a big difference. Let’s explore some simple steps to help you handle febrile seizures in your child and keep them safe.
Understanding Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures often happen when a child has a fever. They’re more common in young kids, usually between 6 months and 5 years old. Recognising the signs is the first step in dealing with them.
Febrile seizures can make your child:
- Shake or jerk their arms and legs.
- Have a blank stare.
- Be unresponsive for a short time.
Immediate Actions to Take
- Stay Calm: It’s tough, but try to stay calm. Most febrile seizures last only a few minutes.
- Ensure Safety: Create a safe space by moving any nearby objects. Lay your child on their side to help them breathe better.
- Timing the Seizure: Note the time the seizure starts. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if another seizure starts right away, it’s time to call for emergency help.
First Aid Measures
- Positioning the Child: Lay your child on their side to keep their airway clear.
- Avoiding Restraints: Don’t try to hold your child down. It’s essential to let the seizure happen and protect them from harm.
- Protecting the Head: Cushion their head with something soft to prevent injuries.
- Observing Breathing: Watch their breathing. If they’re having difficulty breathing, call for help.
- Documenting the Seizure: Note how long the seizure lasts and any specific details. This information can be helpful for the doctor.
What NOT to Do During a Febrile Seizure
- Avoid Panic: Easier said than done, but panicking won’t help. Take deep breaths and focus on keeping your child safe.
- No Restraining: Never try to hold your child down during a seizure. Let it happen while making sure they are protected.
- No Objects in the Mouth: Don’t put anything in your child’s mouth. Contrary to old beliefs, they won’t swallow their tongue.
- No Medications During Seizure: Wait until the seizure is over before giving any medications.
Knowing when to call your doctor or head to the emergency room is crucial. If the seizure is lasting longer than 5 minutes or if it’s the first time, it’s time to seek medical help. Managing your child’s fever is key to preventing febrile seizures. Use over-the-counter medications and sponging techniques as advised by your doctor. Regularly monitor their temperature and be aware of warning signs.
Remember, you’re not alone. Seek emotional support, educate family and caregivers, and develop an emergency plan for peace of mind.
Febrile seizures can be frightening, but with the right knowledge, you can handle them effectively. Stay calm, keep your child safe, and seek medical advice when needed. Most importantly, trust your instincts as a parent. You’re doing a great job!
Lily Shah
With a background of empowering women through talkshows on all thing Womanhood, it was natural for Lily to start empowering women on one of the biggest role they carry (a mother) after having one of her own. As a millennial mum with 2 young boys herself, she understands what new parents are going through and seeks to empower, inspire and ease parents on their biggest adventure yet- Parenthood!