What Are Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in young children due to a spike in body temperature (fever). They typically affect children between 6 months and 5 years of age and are most common during the second year of life.
Types of Febrile Seizures
Simple Febrile Seizures
- Last less than 15 minutes
- Don't recur within 24 hours
- Affect the entire body
- Resolve on their own
Complex Febrile Seizures
- Last longer than 15 minutes
- Occur multiple times within 24 hours
- May affect only one part of the body
- May have a longer recovery period
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Body stiffening
- Twitching or jerking movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Brief period of confusion afterward
What to Do During a Seizure
-
Stay calm
- Place the child on their side on a flat surface
- Remove any nearby objects
-
Don't put anything in their mouth
- Time the seizure if possible
- Seek immediate medical attention for first-time seizures
Risk Factors
- Family history of febrile seizures
- Age (6 months to 5 years)
- High fever (typically above 38°C/100.4°F)
- Recent immunizations
Long-term Outlook
- Most children outgrow febrile seizures
- No lasting effects on intelligence or development
- Small increased risk of developing epilepsy (1-2%)
When to Seek Emergency Care
- First-time seizure
- Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Multiple seizures occurring in 24 hours
- Signs of severe illness
Prevention and Management
- Monitor fever regularly
- Use appropriate fever-reducing medications
- Follow your doctor's recommendations
- Keep detailed records of seizures
Follow-up Care
- Regular check-ups with pediatrician
- Maintain fever diary
- Document any seizure activity
- Discuss concerns with healthcare provider