Understanding febrile seizures in children: a guide for parents

Febrile seizures are frightening events that can occur in young children during a fever. As a parent or caregiver, it important to understand the causes, symptoms, and management of febrile seizures to provide the best care for your child. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about febrile seizures.

What are febrile seizures?

Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in young children, typically between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, during a fever. These seizures are usually brief, lasting less than five minutes, and may involve twitching, stiffening, or jerking of the arms and legs. Febrile seizures are relatively common and often occur when a child's body temperature rises rapidly.

Types of febrile seizures:

Simple febrile seizures: these seizures typically last less than five minutes and do not recur within a 24-hour period. They do not cause any long-term health problems.

Complex febrile seizures: these seizures last longer than five minutes, may involve only one side of the body, or recur within a 24-hour period. They may be associated with a higher risk of developing epilepsy later in life and seeing a paediatric neurologist is recommended.

A child being cared for during an epileptic seizure by a qualified special needs carer

Causes:

The cause of febrile seizures is actually unknown but are triggered by a fever, usually resulting from a viral infection such as the flu or a respiratory infection. Rapid changes in body temperature, rather than the absolute temperature, are thought to be the primary trigger for febrile seizures.

Managing febrile seizures:

Stay calm: if your child experiences a febrile seizure, stay calm and focus on ensuring their safety. Place your child on their side to prevent choking and remove any objects from their mouth.

Monitor breathing: check your child's breathing during the seizure. If breathing is difficult or stops, gently tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway.

Time the seizure: note the duration of the seizure. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if it is a complex febrile seizure, seek medical help immediately.

Cool the child: if possible, remove excess clothing and use a damp cloth to cool your child's forehead and neck. Avoid using cold baths or ice packs, as they may cause shivering and raise body temperature further.

Follow up with a healthcare provider: after the seizure has stopped, contact your child's healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They may recommend tests to identify the cause of the fever and provide advice on managing future febrile seizures.

Conclusion:

Febrile seizures can be alarming for parents, but they are usually harmless and do not cause any long-term health problems. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management of febrile seizures, parents can provide appropriate care and support for their child during these episodes.

If you would like more information about Febrile seizures or concerned about your child is suffering from seizures then do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment with one our Childhealthy team.

Sources:

NHS website: information on febrile seizures, including causes, symptoms, and management.

NHS inform: guidance on managing febrile seizures in children.

Disclaimer: information contained in this article is intended as general advice and does not replace a medical assessment. If you are concerned about your child, please contact your doctor for advice.

Related articles

Book your appointment

Clinic, remote appointments and home visits are available daily.

We can always find a time to suit you, so please do ask if you are having difficulty finding a suitable time.