All About Febrile Seizures
I know that febrile seizures can be an incredibly scary thing to think about as a parent, but knowing some important facts can help you feel more confident if you should ever face them in your family.
What to Know
Febrile seizures are seizures that happen in the setting of a fever.
They are typically associated with a temperature greater than 38C (100.4F).
They usually happen in children 6 months - 5 years old (and are most common from 12-18 months old). They may be associated with higher fevers, viral infections, recent immunization, and/or family history.
About 1/3 of kids who have a febrile seizure may have one in the future. Risk is increased with young age, low fever, and family history.
Most do not cause long-term health problems. Most kids who have simple febrile seizures are at low risk for future epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Here are some generally accepted criteria for febrile seizures:
convulsion associated with temperature greater than 38C (100.4F)
child between 6 months and 5 years old
no sign of central nervous system infection or inflammation
no metabolic abnormalities that could produce similar symptoms
no history of seizures without fevers (afebrile seizures)
Febrile seizures are also divided into two categories:
simple: most common type. generalized movement across the body, last less than 15 minutes (most last less then 5 minutes), and don’t recur within 24 hours.
complex: focal movement (one side of body or one limb), longer than 15 minutes, or happen more than once within 24 hours. associated with slightly higher risk of future seizures.
Why They Happen
There are many potential reasons for febrile seizures, and they depend on the individual child. There may be an association with higher fevers, viral infections (particularly HHV-6), recent immunizations, and/or family history.
What to Do
If your child has a fever and starts to seize, here’s what to do.
Try to Stay Calm. Take a deep breath. You can do this, you’re the very best parent for your child.
Gently place your child in a safe place - a flat place (like the floor, carpet, or ground) away from nearby objects.
Place then on their side (to prevent choking).
Loosen any clothing that’s around their head or neck.
Watch for signs of breathing issues (like blue color, respiratory distress).
If you can (and please don’t worry if you can’t), try to time how long the seizure lasts.
Call for help.
It’s also important, for your child’s safety, not to: restrain your child, put anything in their mouth, give them fever-reducing medicine in the moment, or put them into cool or lukewarm water to cool off.
Will My Child Have Them Again?
About 1/3 of children who have a febrile seizure may have one again in early childhood. Risk is increased for kids who are younger, have a lower level of fever at time of seizure, or those who have a family history. Talk with your care team to work out a plan.
Know that, though febrile seizures are very scary, most kids who have simple febrile seizures are at low risk for future epilepsy. And that, even though they happen, your care team will be there to support your family along the way.
