Tele-triage for Suspected Seizure in Children

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a suspected seizure, telemedicine can help you understand the situation and decide what to do next. Seizures may look different in each child and can have many causes. Tele-triage allows healthcare providers to ask questions, observe symptoms, and guide you on whether urgent in-person care is needed. However, some seizure signs require immediate emergency attention. This guide helps families recognize when telemedicine is suitable and when to seek emergency care for a child with a suspected seizure. It also explains how to prepare for a tele-visit and what to expect afterward.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Repeated seizures without full recovery between episodes — call emergency services.
• Child has trouble breathing, turns blue, or is injured during a seizure — get urgent help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of a single, brief suspected seizure when child is awake and alert.
• Follow-up questions about seizure symptoms and safety.
• Guidance on monitoring and when to seek emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes.
• Repeated seizures without recovery between them (status epilepticus).
• Seizures causing breathing difficulty, injury, or unresponsiveness after event.

What is a Seizure?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. In children, seizures may include staring spells, jerking movements, loss of awareness, or unusual sensations. Not all seizures are the same, and some may be brief or hard to notice.

When to Use Telemedicine for Suspected Seizure

Telemedicine can help if your child has had a single, brief seizure and is now awake and alert. A healthcare provider can ask about the event, check for risk factors, and advise on next steps. Tele-triage is useful for follow-up questions or when you are unsure if the event was a seizure.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department if your child:

These signs require urgent medical attention.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

What to Expect After the Tele-Visit

Your healthcare provider may:

Keep a record of any future events and share updates with your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the exact time the seizure started and how long it lasted.
• Observe and describe the child's movements and behavior during the event.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any medical history.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the tele-visit with a reliable internet connection.
• Have a trusted adult available to assist during the call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow healthcare provider's advice on monitoring and safety.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Keep a detailed record of any further seizure events.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms occur.
• Discuss any new concerns with your healthcare provider promptly.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose a seizure?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers gather information and assess symptoms but cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without in-person evaluation and tests.

What should I do if my child has a seizure for the first time?

If the seizure lasts less than 5 minutes and your child recovers fully, you can use telemedicine to get advice. If it lasts longer or your child has other danger signs, seek emergency care immediately.

How can I keep my child safe after a seizure?

Ensure your child is in a safe place where they cannot fall or hurt themselves. Avoid giving food or drink until fully awake. Follow your healthcare provider's safety recommendations.

When should I call emergency services during a seizure?

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if your child has repeated seizures without waking up, has trouble breathing, turns blue, or is injured.

Can telemedicine help with seizure medications?

Telemedicine can provide guidance and follow-up about medications but may not be able to prescribe or adjust seizure medications without an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Seizures and Epilepsy in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Epilepsy - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Seizures (Convulsions) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Seizures and Epilepsy — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child shows any emergency signs or if you are concerned, seek immediate medical care.