Author:  Austin “Raj” Watson, OMS IV

ATSU Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2026

Seizures can be a frightening and unexpected experience, especially for many families who
witness their child have a seizure for the first time. Seizures typically last from seconds to
minutes and can feel like they go on for an eternity. Seizures may also look different depending
on the child, circumstance, trigger, underlying disorder, etc. For example, a child might look
“zoned out” and have a blank stare on their face, making it hard to get their attention. Other
seizures may look more alarming. A child might become unresponsive, fall to the ground, and
display stiffening and jerking of their arms and legs. This scenario is an example of a
generalized seizure, otherwise known as a tonic-clonic or “grand-mal” seizure. Whether your
child has a seizure at home, at school, or in public, we want to give you the most important
information on how you can keep your child safe while also teaching those who may be caring
for your child how to handle a generalized seizure if and when it happens.

1. Try to remain calm

• This may be the most difficult part of witnessing your child have a seizure. Oftentimes,
  the best course of action is to wait out the seizure until it stops. That said, there are other
  scenarios in which rescue medication should be administered (at the instruction of your
  neurologist) or 911 should be called (see #3). Attempt to clear out an open space around
  the child to ensure their safety. Speak calmly to the child and those around you. Ask
  others to stay nearby if additional help is needed. Remember: if you remain calm, those
  around you are also likely to remain calm which contributes to an overall safer
  environment.

1. Do not restrain

• When a child becomes unresponsive during a generalized seizure, attempt to lay them
  on their side with their mouth pointed towards the ground. This helps prevent saliva from
  entering the child’s airway which can make it hard to breathe. Placing a soft object under
  their head is okay if available. Do not attempt to insert anything into the child’s mouth
  during a seizure. Muscles of the jaw and mouth may clench down during a seizure and
  inserted objects may pose a risk to their airway and teeth. Do not attempt to prevent or
  stop the jerking or shaking motions a child may make during a generalized seizure. This
  could potentially lead to injury and agitation for the child. Keep in mind that after the
  seizure stops, the child will likely be dazed, confused, and tired.

1. Document & report

• One of the most important steps to take while a child is having a seizure is to time the
  seizure. This is important because seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or seizures
  that occur one after the other is a medical emergency called status epilepticus. If a
  seizure continues past 5 minutes or the child has multiple seizures in a row, it is
  imperative to call 911. 911 should also be called if it is the child’s first seizure, if the child
  is having trouble breathing after the seizure, if there is a serious head injury, or if the
  seizure happened in water. If your child has a history of seizures, feel free to ask your
  neurologist for other important instructions regarding safety, rescue medication, etc.