Febrile Seizures in Children

A febrile seizure is a seizure that can occur in some young children during a fever. Seeing a child have a seizure can be extremely frightening for parents, but most febrile seizures are brief and do not cause long-term neurological problems.

Febrile seizures most commonly occur in young children, particularly between approximately 6 months and 5 years of age. They are associated with fever and can occur during common childhood infections.

At International Modern Hospital, Dubai, pediatricians assess children following febrile seizures to determine the likely cause of the fever, evaluate the child's condition and advise parents about appropriate follow-up and what to do if another seizure occurs.

What Does a Febrile Seizure Look Like?

During a typical febrile seizure, a child may:

• Suddenly become unresponsive
• Stiffen
• Have rhythmic jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Roll their eyes
• Temporarily lose awareness
• Appear sleepy or confused after the seizure

A simple febrile seizure usually lasts less than 15 minutes and affects the whole body.

Not every seizure occurring with a fever is necessarily a simple febrile seizure. Medical evaluation is important, particularly after a child's first seizure.

What Causes Febrile Seizures?

Febrile seizures occur in association with fever, often during childhood infections.

The infection may be viral or bacterial, although many common febrile illnesses are viral.

A rapid rise in temperature may be associated with a seizure, but febrile seizures do not necessarily occur only when a child's temperature reaches a particular level.

Some children may have a family history of febrile seizures.

What Should Parents Do During a Febrile Seizure?

If a child has a seizure:

• Stay calm and remain with the child.
• Place the child on a safe surface.
• Turn the child onto their side if possible.
• Remove nearby objects that could cause injury.
• Do not put anything in the child's mouth.
• Do not attempt to restrain the child's movements.
• Note how long the seizure lasts.
• Seek urgent medical attention, particularly for a first seizure or prolonged seizure.

Parents should not try to force medicines, food or water into a child's mouth during a seizure.

When Is a Febrile Seizure an Emergency?

Urgent medical assessment is particularly important when:

• It is the child's first seizure
• The seizure lasts more than five minutes
• The child has difficulty breathing
• The seizure affects only one part of the body
• Multiple seizures occur within a short period
• The child remains unusually unresponsive
• The child appears seriously ill
• There are signs of a serious infection

Emergency care should be sought when there is concern about the child's breathing, consciousness or overall condition.

How Are Febrile Seizures Evaluated?

The pediatrician will assess the child and investigate the cause of the fever.

Evaluation may include:

• Medical history
• Description of the seizure
• Physical examination
• Assessment of the source of fever
• Neurological assessment where appropriate

Additional investigations may be recommended depending on the child's age, symptoms, examination and circumstances.

Can Febrile Seizures Happen Again?

Some children who have experienced one febrile seizure may have another during a future febrile illness.

Your pediatrician can explain the likelihood of recurrence and provide parents with an action plan for managing fever and responding if another seizure occurs.

Do Febrile Seizures Cause Epilepsy?

Most children who experience febrile seizures do not develop epilepsy. However, individual risk varies, and certain features may require additional medical assessment.

A pediatrician can determine whether specialist follow-up is appropriate.