Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Infants: What Parents Need to Know

Seeing your baby shake or stiffen can be terrifying. It might be a tonic‑clonic seizure, a type of seizure that can happen even in newborns. Knowing the signs, what to do right then, and when to get a doctor involved can calm your nerves and protect your child.

Spotting the Signs

Tonic‑clonic seizures usually have two phases. First, the tonic phase makes the baby’s muscles tighten. You might notice the arms, legs, or whole body become rigid for a few seconds. The baby may also suck on a thumb or have a strange facial expression. Then comes the clonic phase, where the limbs start jerking rhythmically. This shaking can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Other clues include:

• Loss of consciousness – the baby may not respond to your voice.
• Staring spells that don’t look like normal sleep.
• Breathing changes, such as short pauses.
• After the seizure, the infant might be sleepy, fussy, or hard to wake.

If you see any of these, write down how long it lasted and what it looked like. This info helps the doctor figure out what’s going on.

First Steps and When to Call a Doctor

Stay calm and keep the baby safe. Gently place them on a soft surface like a blanket. Don’t try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth – that can cause injury. Clear the area of sharp objects and stay by their side.

Call emergency services immediately if:

• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• The baby has another seizure right after the first.
• Breathing doesn’t return to normal.
• There’s a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) that started suddenly.
• The baby is unusually limp, pale, or blue‑tinged.

For seizures that stop quickly and the baby seems okay afterward, still contact your pediatrician as soon as you can. Explain the episode, how long it lasted, and any triggers you think might have caused it, like a fever or a new medication.

Doctors may order tests such as an EEG (brain wave test) or a brain scan to see if there’s an underlying condition. Some babies have a single seizure and never have another, while others may need medication to keep seizures from returning.

While you wait for medical help, keep a close eye on your baby’s breathing and temperature. If they get a fever, use age‑appropriate fever reducers, but only after checking with a healthcare professional.

Remember, a seizure doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It’s a sign that the brain reacted in a certain way. The most important thing you can do is act quickly, stay safe, and get professional advice.

Every parent wants to protect their child, and knowing the facts about tonic‑clonic seizures gives you the confidence to handle an episode calmly. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be better prepared if a seizure ever occurs. Then you can focus on the most important job of all – caring for your little one.