A Short Guide for Caregivers and Grandparents

You can make copies of this short guide, prepared for the people who care for your child from time to time when you are not there (grandparents, caregivers, relatives), and give it to them. The aim is to equip them with the necessary basic information without frightening them.

Basic Information You Need to Know

• The child has epilepsy; this is not contagious and it is nothing to be ashamed of. With proper care, the child lives a normal life.
• The child's medications must be given every day, at the specified times. Get written instructions from the family about which medication is given when, and never skip a dose.
• Learn in advance how the child's seizures look. Hear directly from the family what you need to do during a seizure.

If a Seizure Occurs — A Quick Reminder

• Stay calm, check the time, and measure the duration.
• Move away any dangers nearby, protect the head, and turn the child onto their side.
• Do not put anything in the mouth, do not try to hold them down, and do not give water or food.
• Stay with them; wait until the seizure passes.
• If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, comes one after another, or there is a breathing problem, call emergency services and inform the family.
• If there is a rescue medication, give it only in the way the family has taught you.

The two most important numbers

The family's phone number and the emergency number. Always keep these two numbers within reach. Also keep a list of the medications the child takes with you.