Watching your child have a seizure can be one of the scariest moments for any caregiver. If your child has epilepsy or a seizure disorder, having a plan and knowing what to do can help you feel more prepared. 

Epilepsy is diagnosed when a child has two or more seizures that happen more than 24 hours apart. A seizure happens when there is a sudden change in the brain’s electrical activity. Depending on the child, seizures can look very different. Some children have full-body shaking, while others may stare blankly, blink repeatedly, smack their lips, or make other repetitive movements. 

The good news is that there are steps you can take every day to help reduce your child’s risk of seizures and know how to respond if one happens. 

1. Follow Your Child’s Care Plan 

Your child’s care plan is one of the most important tools for managing epilepsy. It outlines the daily care your child needs to help prevent seizures and stay healthy. 

You should also have a seizure action plan. This plan explains exactly what to do if your child has a seizure, including when to give rescue medication and when to seek emergency care. 

At Imagine Pediatrics, our team works closely with your child’s pediatric neurologist and primary care provider so everyone is working together to support your child’s care. 

2. Know Your Child’s Medications 

Taking seizure medicine exactly as prescribed is one of the best ways to prevent seizures. Missing even one dose can increase your child’s risk of having a seizure. 

If your child has been prescribed a rescue medication, make sure you know: 

• When to give it 
• How to give it correctly 
• When to call your child’s medical team 

Our pharmacy team can also help you: 

• Understand your child’s medications 
• Answer questions about side effects 
• Help with prescription refills 
• Make sure you know how to pick up medications from the pharmacy 

3. Know What to Do During a Seizure 

If your child has a seizure, staying as calm as possible can help you respond quickly. 

Keep your child safe by: 

• Moving them away from anything they could hit or fall against. 
• Gently turning them onto their side if possible. 
• Never putting anything in their mouth. 
• Not trying to hold them down. 

If the seizure stops within five minutes, contact your child’s pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, or Imagine Pediatrics for guidance. 

Follow your child’s seizure action plan. If it says to use rescue medication after five minutes or after multiple seizures in a short period of time, give the medication as instructed. 

Call 911 immediately if: 

• The seizure does not stop after five minutes or after giving rescue medication. 
• Your child has trouble breathing. 
• Your child turns blue. 
• Your child is choking. 

4. Keep Regular Medical Appointments 

Regular checkups help your child’s care team monitor their health and adjust treatment when needed. 

These visits allow your child’s providers to: 

• Check if seizure medications are working well. 
• Order lab work when needed. 
• Update care and seizure action plans. 
• Watch for changes that could affect seizure control. 

If you need help scheduling appointments, getting referrals, or arranging transportation, Imagine Pediatrics can help. 

5. Learn Your Child’s Seizure Triggers 

Every child is different, but common seizure triggers include: 

• Missing seizure medication 
• Fever 
• Illness 
• Not eating enough 
• Poor sleep 
• Flashing lights or certain patterns 
• Menstrual cycles in some adolescents 

Helping your child eat balanced meals, get enough sleep, and stay healthy may lower their risk of seizures. 

Vaccines also play an important role. Vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox (varicella), pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 help protect children from illnesses that can increase the risk of seizures and hospitalization. 

You’re Not Alone 

Managing epilepsy takes teamwork. At Imagine Pediatrics, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. 

Whether you have questions about medications, need help coordinating care, or are worried your child may be getting sick, our clinical team is available to help. Our Acute Care Team offers 24/7 virtual visits, and our pharmacy team can assist with medication questions and refills. 

Together, we can help your child have more Safe Days at Home.

We’re Here for You and Your Child 

Imagine Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children with special health care needs. We provide 24/7 virtual and in-home care and support. Our integrated medical, mental, and social care is personalized to meet the needs of your child. We don’t replace your child’s current care team. We work with them to give your child more access to the specialized care they need, whenever they need it. Our services are often at no cost if they are part of your child’s existing health plan benefits. Learn more about us here or call us (833) 208-7770.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.