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Jennifer Hopp, M.D.

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Convulsions

First Aid:

  1. When a seizure occurs, the main goal is to protect the person from injury. Try to prevent a fall. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects.
  2. Cushion the person's head.
  3. Loosen tight clothing, especially around the person's neck.
  4. Turn the person on his or her side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into the lungs.
  5. Look for a medical I.D. bracelet with seizure instructions.
  6. Stay with the person until recovery or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor the person's vital signs ( pulse , rate of breathing).

In an infant or child, if the seizure occurs with a high fever, cool the child gradually with tepid water. You can give the child acetaminophen (Tylenol), especially if the child has had fever convulsions before. DO NOT immerse the child in a cold bath. See fever convulsions .

Do Not:

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call 911 if:

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Ford MD, ed. Clinical Toxicology . 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2001.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003.

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