Safety Communication Health Education Future
A place for families to explore what it means to be responsible

As many of you know, a few weeks ago John Travolta and Kelly Preston's 16-year old son, Jett tragically died as a result of a seizure.  Jett suffered from seizures for many years and was given medications to try to control the disorder, but ultimately the medication lost it's effectiveness and Jett passed away on January  2, 2009 while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas. 

Although most seizure disorders are genetic, anyone can suffer from a seizure at any time.  It is important for all caregivers to know what to do in the event of a seizure and when emergency services need to be called. 

Seizure Safety Tips:

• If your child suffers from a seizure disorder, talk with him or her about what happens when he has a seizure and how to stay safe.
• Talk to your child about auras and what symptoms she may experience before a seizure so that she can sit or lie down or get to a safe place in the event that a seizure does occur.
• Every child's seizures are different, so talk with your child's physician about caring for your child's symptoms.  In cases where children fall during a seizure, a helmet may help to protect your child's head.
• Children with a history of seizures should avoid climbing activities where they can fall.
• Make changes in your home that create a safe atmosphere for children with seizures, such as railings and gates on stairs and around beds, padded carpeting, handgrips and ramps, etc.
• Remove throw rugs, secure dangling or obstructive electrical cords, remove low tables or furniture that can be tripped over, eliminate sharp corners and glass tables, etc
• Children who suffer from seizures should not sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed.  They beneft from low beds that have padded railings around them.
• Place guards around heat sources such as fireplaces, stoves, ovens and grills.
• Place your child on his or her side while having a seizure and keep his or her mouth clear to avoid choking.  Do not put anything in your child's mouth during a seizure.
• If your child has a history of falling during seizures, use a bath or shower seat during bathing and always supervise your child when near water.
• All caregivers should take CPR and First Aid courses annually, especially if a child in your home has a seizure disorder.

Symptoms of a seizure vary for each child, but the following is a list of symtoms.  If your child experiences any of the following, move any hard or sharp surfaces away from the child, place a pillow under the child's head if necessary and consult your child's physician or emergency services immediately.

Common Seizure Symptoms: 

• Generalized convulsions followed by sleepiness and confusion
• Repetitve movements such as chewing, clapping or lip smacking followed by confusion
• Localized convulsions in certain regions of the body followed by strange behavior and no memory of the event

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