FIRST AFEBRILE SEIZURE IN CHILDREN

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1 FIRST AFEBRILE SEIZURE IN CHILDREN Today s research is tomorrow s care We all benefit from research. Leicester s Hospitals is a research active Trust so you may find that research is happening when you visit the hospital or your clinic. If you are interested in finding out how you can become involved in a clinical trial or to find out more about taking part in research, please speak to your clinician or GP. Children s Emergency Department Information for Patients, Parents and Carers If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on Your Department Information Group. Edition 1. July 2015 Review: July 2017 (Author surname) Code number - Month/Year

2 Your child has had a seizure (also known as a fit or convulsion ). Watching your child have a seizure is a very frightening experience, however seizures are not as serious as they look. What is a seizure? This is when the brain produces more electrical activity than normal, in a sudden burst. A child may become very stiff with shaking limbs, or go floppy and blue around the lips. The eyes may roll upwards and the child becomes unconscious. Could it happen again? Seizures are quite common and one in twenty healthy people will have a single seizure at some point in their life. Very often no reason for the seizure is found and they never have one again. A small number of children can go on to have further seizures, if this happens it is typically during the next 6 months. Is this epilepsy? A single seizure does not mean your child has epilepsy this may be the only seizure that your child ever has. If your child has more seizures in the future they may require further investigations and tests to look for epilepsy. If you have any questions, write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your consultant. 2 11

3 If you have any questions, write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your consultant. First Afebrile Seizure in Children Does my child need any tests or treatment? Children who have a single seizure often do not need any special tests. The Emergency Department team will check your child s blood sugar level with a simple finger prick. Sometimes the doctor decides to do some other blood tests or a heart tracing, but not all children will need this. Some children who have very frequent seizures need regular medication to try to prevent them, but children having a single seizure do not need this. What happens next? If your child is well and the doctors are happy, then you will be discharged home. All children with a first seizure will be seen by a paediatrician (specialist children s doctor), this will normally be as an outpatient in the next few weeks and is an opportunity to check your child s progress, and for you to ask further questions. Most children will not require any further tests or appointments after this. If your child is very young, or there is some uncertainty about the seizure, then your child will be referred to the Children s Assessment Unit today to see the paediatric team. 10 3

4 What should I do if they have another seizure? A small number of children will have a further seizure, if this happens then try to stay calm. DO Note the time - how long did it last? Move objects that may cause injury Put something soft under the head Turn on side as soon as possible after the seizure Stay with the child DO NOT DO NOT leave your child DO NOT place anything in their mouth DO NOT move the child unless in danger DO NOT restrict movements If you have any questions, write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your consultant. 4 9

5 First Afebrile Seizure in Children Call an ambulance(999) if: You are frightened or need help The seizure continues for more than 5 minutes If one seizure follows another If the child is injured or you are concerned about their breathing You believe they need medical attention If you have not called for an ambulance because the seizure is short lived, you will need to inform your GP or the out of hours service as soon as possible to arrange an appointment with them. If your child is having recurrent seizures then he/she will need to see a paediatrician (specialist children s doctor). Do seizures cause pain? No, the child will be unaware of what is happening and will not remember afterwards. Some children can have a slight muscle ache or headache as a result of a seizure or may have injured themselves during it. 8 5

6 First Afebrile Seizure in Children Will my child be safe? There is a risk of becoming injured during a seizure, so some safety precautions should be taken for the next 6 months in case they do have another one. Bathing: Your child should be supervised when bathing and the bathroom door should not be locked. Showering is safer than bathing. Swimming: Your child should be supervised when swimming. Inform the lifeguard that your child has previously had a seizure. Cycling: Your child should avoid cycling on busy roads. They should always wear a helmet. Climbing: This can present a falling risk to children with seizures, activities such as tree or rock climbing should be avoided. Horse riding: There can be a risk of falling off the horse when a seizure occurs. It is advised that there is close supervision by someone walking alongside the horse or to avoid the activity. Discharge Checklist Tear off and insert into patient notes Patient name: Hospital number: This information advice sheet given to parents/carers Referral made for paediatric out-patient department Other useful resources: Appropriate advice has been given about bathing and sports 6 7