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Fits, faints and funny turns

There are many reasons for childhood “funny turns”. Your medical practitioner will have given you a likely diagnosis and this leaflet contains links for further information on some of the commonest causes of funny turns in childhood. This leaflet is designed to alert you should your child’s symptoms change and advice as to where to get help. It helps to have a video of your child’s episodes to take to any medical appointments.

Paediatric Pathways

pdf.pngFits, faints and funny turns pathway 

pdf.pngFebrile Convulsion Advice Sheet

pdf.pngFever Pathway for remote assessment

pdf.pngPrimary Care and Community settings pathway

pdf.pngAcute Care Fever pathway

pdf.pngAcute Care Rash and Fever pathway

Parent Information

Fever / High Temperature
My baby has Fever / High Temperature

If your child has for the first time any of the following:

  • If they become unconscious and do not recover after 5 minutes
  • If they have a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
  • If they have >3 episodes in one day
  • Becomes confused or unaware of their surroundings (for longer than 30 mins)
  • Develops weakness in their arms/ legs or starts losing their balance
  • Develops problems with their eyesight
  • Collapses during exercise/ strenuous activity
  •  If your child remains unconscious place your child on their side until help arrives as seen below (see picture). 

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following at any time:

  • If they have more than one convulsive seizure in a week (Convulsive = unconscious with arms and legs stiff, sometimes shaking)
  • Loss of consciousness but has quick recovery (less than 5 minutes)
  • Change in their behaviour or excessive tiredness
  • Develops a persistent headache that doesn’t go away (despite painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen)
  • Develops a headache that wakes them from sleep
  • If your child has known epilepsy follow personalised care plan and contact named nurse if have concerns

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

We recognise that at peak times, access to a health care professional may be delayed. If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, then consider taking them to your nearest Emergency Department

Your child may be diagnosed with one of the below conditions that requires no medical attention:

Here are links for further information:

Breath holding attacks

Simple faint

Reflex anoxic seizures

Night terrors

Sleep myoclonus (Brief jerks of one or more limbs. Occurs only in sleep. No treatment needed)

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

What to do if your child remains unconscious

 If your child remains unconscious place your child on their side until help arrives as seen below. 

child recovery position.jpg

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