Multiple or prolonged seizures are a risk factor for epilepsy but most children who experience febrile seizures do not develop the reoccurring seizures that are characteristic of epilepsy.Ĭhildren who experience a brief, full body febrile seizure are slightly more likely to develop epilepsy than the general population. Even when the seizures last a long time, most children recover completely. Large studies have found that even children with prolonged febrile seizures have normal school achievement and perform as well on intellectual tests as their siblings who do not have seizures. There is no evidence that short febrile seizures cause brain damage. Using proper first aid for seizures can help avoid these hazards. During a seizure, there is a small chance that the child may be injured by falling or may choke on food or saliva in the mouth. The vast majority of febrile seizures are short and do not cause any long-term damage. This is especially urgent if the child shows symptoms of stiff neck, extreme lethargy, or abundant vomiting, which may be signs of meningitis, an infection over the brain surface. Seek immediate medical attention if this is the child’s first febrile seizure and take the child to the doctor once the seizure has ended to check for the cause of the fever.These objects can obstruct the child's airway and make breathing difficult.
Nothing should ever be placed in the child's mouth during a seizure. When possible, gently remove any objects from the child’s mouth.
Position the child on his or her side or stomach to prevent choking. Do not restrain or hold a child during a convulsion. Gradually place the child on a protected surface such as the floor or ground to prevent accidental injury. Call an ambulance if the seizure is less than 5 minutes but the child does not seem to be recovering quickly. The child should be taken immediately to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call an ambulance. If a child is having a febrile seizure, parents and caregivers should do the following: Parents and caretakers should remain calm, take first aid measures, and carefully observe the child. Top What should be done for a child having a febrile seizure? Even prolonged seizures (lasting more 15 minutes) are generally harmless but do carry an increased risk of developing epilepsy. A prolonged initial febrile seizure does not substantially boost the risk of reoccurring febrile seizures. 
However, if another does occur, it is more likely to be prolonged. Sometimes during a febrile seizure, a child may lose consciousness but will not noticeably shake or move.Īlthough they can be frightening for parents, brief febrile seizures (less than 15 minutes) do not cause any long-term health problems.
Both arms and legs will shake uncontrollably. Children are at the greatest risk of having a febrile seizure at age 2. Young children between the ages of about 6 months and 5 years old are the most likely to experience febrile seizures. Most febrile seizures last only a few minutes and are accompanied by a fever above 101☏ (38.3☌). However, studies show this does not reduce the risk of having another febrile seizure. If a child has a fever, most parents will use fever-lowering drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to make the child more comfortable. Having a febrile seizure does not mean a child has epilepsy, since that disorder is characterized by reoccurring seizures that are not triggered by fever. In some cases, a child may not have a fever at the time of the seizure but will develop one a few hours later. The fever may accompany common childhood illnesses such as a cold, the flu, or an ear infection. What research is being done on febrile seizures?įebrile seizures are seizures or convulsions that occur in young children and are triggered by fever. 
What should be done for a child having a febrile seizure?Ĭan subsequent febrile seizures be prevented?
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