Such children need careful training, but less than 10 per cent of children
who have convulsions become epileptic. Epilepsy should only be suspected if
the first attack occurs in a previously healthy child of over two years of
age. There are many possible causes for infantile convulsions, and but one
treatment; call in a doctor _at once_, and, while waiting for him, put the
child in a warm bath (not over 100° F.) in a quiet, darkened room, and hold
a sponge wrung out of hot water to the throat at intervals of five minutes.
Never give "soothing syrups" or "teething powders".

The "soothing" portion of such preparations is some essential oil, like
aniseed, caraway or dill, and there are often present strong drugs
unsuitable for children. According to the analyses made by the British
Medical Association, the following are the _essential_ ingredients of some
well-known preparations for children:

Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Potassium Bromide,
Syrup. Aniseed, and Syrup
(sugar and water).

Woodward's Gripe Sodium Bicarbonate,
Water. Caraway, and Syrup.

Atkinson and Barker's Pot. and Magnesium
Royal Infant Bicarbonate, several
Preservative. Oils, and Syrup.

Mrs. Johnson's American Spirits of Salt, Common
Soothing Syrup. Salt, and Honey.

Convulsions During Pregnancy. Send for a doctor instantly.