Call 911 if the child:
- Appears to have a prolonged seizure with lasting greater than 5 minutes or repeated seizures.
- Has trouble breathing
- Turns blue
- Hits their head before or during a convulsion
- Is unconscious for several minutes
- Might have ingested something poisonous
Convulsions, also known as seizures, in babies and young children can be terrifying for parents, and to be safe you should seek emergency help. However, convulsions often don't cause serious health problems. In toddlers, though rare, fevers can sometimes trigger convulsions.
Call Doctor If:
Even if your child has had a convulsion before and your pediatrician has told you what to do, you should still call your pediatrician.
While You're Waiting for Medical Help
If your child is breathing normally, keep your child safe:
- Place your child on the floor on their side and clear away objects that are in close proximity.
- Loosen tight clothing surrounding the head or neck.
- Don't put anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the convulsion unless your pediatrician has told you what to do.
- If your child vomits, move them onto their side and clear out their mouth.
- Don't try to hold your child down or restrain their movements.