Febrile Convulsions - Medtick
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Febrile Convulsions

What is it?

A seizure caused by fever.

  • Febrile seizures usually last fewer than 5 minutes; however, they may last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer.
  • Febrile seizure symptoms vary.
  • During a febrile seizure, children are unable to respond (i.e., unresponsive) and may lose consciousness.
  • In most cases, febrile seizures resolve without complications.
  • If the child is standing, eating, or drinking when the seizure occurs, he or she may be injured by the fall, may choke, or may inhale fluid into the lungs.
  • The child also may bite his or her tongue, lips, or inside of the cheek during a febrile seizure.
  • Febrile seizures increase the risk for epilepsy slightly. However, more than 95% of children who have febrile seizures do not develop a seizure disorder.
  • Febrile seizures do not increase the risk for brain damage or mental retardation.

Medication

  • Do not try to give medication of any kind during the seizure
  • Antipyretic agents (paracetamol and/or ibuprofen) do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used specifically for this purpose.

NICE guidelines 

General tips

  • After a period of time (usually a few seconds to a few minutes), the muscles relax, causing rhythmic jerking.
  • Do not put anything in her mouth (the child may choke).
  • Do not try to put a child in a bath to cool down.
  • Once the seizure is over, the child may be sleepy or confused (but if excessively drowsy and/or confused phone for an ambulance).

Cause

Symptoms

  • Child’s eyes may roll or his or her limbs may become rigid (stiff)?
  • Breathing difficulty (e.g., apnea; the child may turn bluish in color)?
  • Contraction of the muscles of the face, limbs, and trunk?
  • Fever (usually higher than 38.8°C /102°F)?
  • Illness (e.g., upper respiratory infection)?
  • Involuntary moaning, crying, and/or passing of urine?
  • Shaking?
  • Twitching?
  • Vomiting?

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Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • If experience for the first time regardless on how long it was
  • If not sure what to do
  • The seizure does not stop after 10 minutes
  • Your child is having difficulty breathing or turns blue or gray
  • Your child is lethargic and not responding normally after the seizure
  • Dehydrated or has uncontrollable vomiting
  • Status epilepticus-a medical emergency in which a seizure lasts longer than 10 minutes or seizures recur without recovery for 10 minutes or longer.

Medication

  • Do not try to give medication of any kind during the seizure
  • Antipyretic agents (paracetamol and/or ibuprofen) do not prevent febrile convulsions and should not be used specifically for this purpose.

NICE guidelines 

General tips

  • After a period of time (usually a few seconds to a few minutes), the muscles relax, causing rhythmic jerking.
  • Do not put anything in her mouth (the child may choke).
  • Do not try to put a child in a bath to cool down.
  • Once the seizure is over, the child may be sleepy or confused (but if excessively drowsy and/or confused phone for an ambulance).

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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