Febrile Seizures

Simple Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are

convulsions

that occur in a child who is between six months and five years of age and has a temperature greater than 100.4ºF (38ºC). Febrile seizures can occur as a result of the fever that accompanies bacterial or viral infections or certain vaccines. Simple febrile seizures are the most common. Typically, the child loses consciousness and has a convulsion or rhythmic twitching of the arms or legs. Most seizures do not last more than one to two minutes, although they can last up to 15 minutes. After the seizure, the child may be confused or sleepy but does not have arm or leg weakness.
stay calm, ensure a safe environment, lay the person on their side to prevent choking, and time the seizure. Seek medical evaluation to identify the cause of the fever and discuss prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.
Symptoms

A sudden and temporary alteration of muscle tone, movements or behavior

  • Single episode in 24 hours

  • Generalized

  • Lasting less than 15 minutes

common

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F)

common

Risk factors

Family history of febrile seizure

Treatment
1-Testing for cause of fever – Some children, particularly those under 12 months of age, may require testing to ensure that the fever is not related to

meningitis

. 2-Brief febrile seizure – Most febrile seizures are over by the time the child is seen by a health care professional. If the seizure stops on its own and the child is rapidly recovering, anti-seizure medication is not needed. After a simple febrile seizure, most children do not need to stay in the hospital unless the seizure was caused by a serious infection requiring treatment. 3-Prolonged febrile seizure – Treatment for prolonged seizures usually involves giving an anti-seizure medication and monitoring the child's heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. 4-Fever treatment – After the seizure has stopped, treatment for the fever is started, usually by giving oral or rectal acetaminophen or ibuprofen and sometimes by sponging with room temperature (not cold) water.
Recommended specialist

If you have Febrile Seizures, then a visit to a pediatrician is recommended.

Contact a

Pediatrician

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