Children who are running a high
fever may have a fit. This is called a febrile seizure. This
usually happens during the first few hours of a fever. The
child may have a strange look for a few moments, then
stiffen, twitch, and roll his eyes. Following this he may
not respond to what is being said to him for a short time.
After the seizure, he quickly returns to normal. The seizure
usually lasts less than 1 minute. Febrile seizures rarely
happen more than once within a 24-hour period.
These seizures need to be differentiated from other kinds of
seizures (ones that are not caused by fever) that usually
last longer, can affect only one part of the body, and may
occur repeatedly. Although febrile seizures may appear very
scary, they do not cause brain damage, nervous system
problems, paralysis, mental retardation, or death.
What must be done if the child has a febrile
seizure?
Immediate action must be taken to prevent
injury
The child must be placed on the floor or
bed
The head must be turned to the side so
that any saliva or vomit drains out rather then enter the
windpipe and cause choking
Nothing should be put into the mouth
The paediatrician must be consulted
immediately.
Do these seizures recur?
Febrile seizures tend to run in families. The
risk of having seizures with other episodes of fever depends
on the age of the child. Children younger than 1 year of age
at the time of their first seizure have a 50% chance of
having another febrile seizure. Children older than 1 year
of age have only a 30% chance of having a second febrile
seizure.
Do these children get epilepsy later?
Epilepsy is a term used for seizures that
occur repeatedly. Epileptic seizures are not caused by
fever. Children with a history of febrile seizures have only
a slightly higher risk of developing epilepsy by age 7 than
children who have not had febrile seizures.
How are febrile seizures treated?
The paediatrician will examine the child to
make sure that it is indeed a febrile seizure and not due to
a serious infection like meningitis, especially if the child
is younger than 1 year of age.
It is most important to determine and treat the cause of the
fever rather than the seizure. Cold sponging and medicines.
Child suffering from febrile seizure
Fever can trigger
febrile seizures.
Danger of recurrence of
fever-induced febrile seizures
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