FEBRILE SEIZURES
What are Febrile Seizures?
A febrile seizure is a seizure triggered by a fever, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It most commonly affects children between 6 months and 5 years of age who are otherwise healthy and developing normally.
Although witnessing a febrile seizure can be frightening, most febrile seizures are harmless, last only a few minutes, and do not cause permanent brain damage or epilepsy. Prompt medical evaluation helps identify the cause of the fever and provides reassurance and guidance for parents.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Rhythmic shaking or jerking of the arms and legs
- Stiffness or twitching in one part of the body
- Sleepiness or drowsiness after the seizure
Important: Most febrile seizures occur within the first 24 hours of a fever and may even be the first sign that your child is unwell.
Types of Febrile Seizures
Simple Febrile Seizure
- Lasts less than 15 minutes
- Involves the whole body
- Occurs only once within 24 hours
- Most common type with an excellent prognosis
Complex Febrile Seizure
- Lasts more than 15 minutes
- May recur within 24 hours
- May affect only one side or one part of the body
- Requires further medical evaluation
When to See a Pediatrician
Every child should be evaluated by a pediatrician after their first febrile seizure, even if it lasts only a few seconds.
Seek immediate emergency medical care if your child:
- Has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Has repeated seizures within 24 hours
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has persistent vomiting
- Is difficult to wake after the seizure
- Has a stiff neck or appears seriously ill
Prompt medical evaluation helps identify the cause of the fever, rule out serious infections, and ensure appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis & Treatment
At Dr. Shetty’s Children’s Clinic, we carefully evaluate children who experience febrile seizures to determine the underlying cause of the fever and assess their overall health.
Our approach includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and additional investigations only when clinically indicated. Treatment focuses on managing the fever, treating the underlying infection when necessary, and educating parents on seizure first aid and future care.
Concerned About a Fever or Febrile Seizure?
If your child experiences a febrile seizure or has a high fever, prompt evaluation can provide reassurance, identify the underlying cause, and ensure the right treatment. Our pediatric team is here to support you every step of the way.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most febrile seizures are harmless, last only a few minutes, and do not cause permanent brain damage or epilepsy.
Yes. Some children may experience more than one febrile seizure during future episodes of fever, especially before the age of five.
Not always. The need for investigations depends on your child’s age, symptoms, medical history, and the cause of the fever.
Place your child on their side in a safe area, do not place anything in their mouth, and seek emergency medical care if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if you have any concerns.