Nothing evokes feelings of vulnerability in parents more than watching their child in an uncomfortable or painful situation. While seizures in children are not commonplace, they do happen. Close to 10 percent of children will experience a seizure during childhood. Knowing what to do if your child has a seizure will help give your child the best care possible.

First, stay calm. Resisting the urge to panic will help you keep a level head and objective mind. Seizures are not indefinite conditions. Often, they pass as suddenly as they arrive. Remaining calm in the midst of an uncomfortable situation will allow you to provide care for your child that you would be otherwise unable to do in a panicked state.

Secondly, seek medical attention. Whether your child has a history of seizures, or it is your child’s first, the occurrence needs to be brought to the attention of your child’s pediatrician. Prompt notification will help your doctor determine the root cause of the seizure and set a course of treatment in motion. In most cases, an electroencephalogram will be ordered to look at brain activity.

If the seizure persists longer than 5 minutes, it is advised to call 911 immediately as this duration may signal more serious underlying problems.