We have rectal diazepam which we keep in case of a seizure. I too have seen the data about giving the drug at the first sign of illness. When we spoke to our pedi neurologist about it, he told us that because children get sick so frequently, it is an awfully strong-armed tactic to be giving valium every time they get the sniffles. Moreover, valium is a respiratory suppressant, which for obvious reasons is problematic. Nonetheless, we carry the valium and have simply been instructed to use our best judgment if we believe it should be administered after a seizure has begun.

And anyone else, have you heard of diazepam? I’ve been reading up on it and its essentially valium that has been proven to prevent febrile seizures when given to children at the first sign of fever. Its specifically for kids with recurrent seizures. And its not a medication that they have to stay on, just something you give to them when they get a fever. Side effects can be minimal, lethargy and irritability…which is something I do not mind at all as long as I know my son is protected. It especially helps at the first sign of fever. I have to schedule an appointment with my son’s pediatrician to gain insight, but was wondering if anyone else had tried this and if you would recommend it? My son is just overcoming another fever from yesterday…his first fever since the second seizure.

Here’s a study released in 2003 on it: http://www.med.umich.edu/pediatrics/ebm/cats/oraldiazepam.htm

Whenever I see that a new person has posted comments here, I have mixed feelings. I am sad because it usually means another child has had a seizure. It breaks my heart to read about the child’s illness and their parents’ anguish. On the other hand, I am grateful that I was able to share my experiences to comfort and educate others. I am so proud of the way this post has taken on a life of its own with the help of all of you.

Thanks again to everyone. I will continue to pray for the health of all of our children.

I tend to think that these are genetic. They seem to run in my husband’s family, and my eldest child also had them when he was younger. My youngest is three and I am truly hoping that he will never have one! They are terrifying to witness, and even worse when your child stops breathing.

So sorry to hear about your children’s recent seizures. Denise, my understanding is the same as yours – they are breathing, although very shallow. My daughter turned slightly blue with her seizures and I feel better calling EMS since they can give her oxygen as soon as they arrive. I also now know to turn her on her side to avoid the build up of saliva. Also, with respect to your comment, why does this happen to some children and not others, my understanding based on a discussion with our paedeatrician is that the part of the brain that regulates temperature, in particular dealing with a high temperature associated with a fever, takes a little bit longer to mature in some children which causes this response. I guess this is why they will eventually grow out of them.

It has been a few months since my daughter’s last seizure and she has had one, if not two, ear infections and low grade fevers since then, with no seizure. We are very cautious and admininster Tylenol if her temp goes above 100 (with the ear thermometer), although we know this is not a 100% preventable.