Febrile Seizures
Febrile Seizures
Seizures occur when the brain sends out abnormal electrical signals to the body. One common type of seizure in children is called a febrile seizure. Febrile seizures usually occur in children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years old. They are most commonly seen in toddlers between 12 months and 18 months of age. Children who have had a febrile seizure may have another seizure the next time they have a fever. Most children outgrow the risk of febrile seizures by age 6. Febrile seizures can be very scary for parents and caregivers. But they usually don’t last long. And they rarely cause long-term health problems.
Risk factors for febrile seizures
A febrile seizure can be triggered by:
A recent vaccination, especially a measles mumps rubella shot
A bacterial or viral illness or infection. This includes a cold, the flu, chickenpox, or an ear infection.
A family history of febrile seizures
A temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or greater
Types of febrile seizures
Febrile seizures are classified as either simple or complex.
Simple febrile seizures:
Most common type
Last less than 15 minutes
Usually occur once within 24 hours
Complex febrile seizures:
Affect only one limb or one side of the body
Last longer than 15 minutes
Usually occur more than once within 24 hours
Symptoms of a febrile seizure
Febrile seizures can last for anywhere between a few seconds and many minutes. The following are the most common signs of febrile seizures:
Jerking of muscles (convulsions)
Loss of consciousness
Biting of cheek or tongue
Clenched teeth or jaw
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Change in breathing pattern
After the seizure is over, children often feel sleepy or confused. They may have a headache. And they may have no memory of the seizure.
What to do if your child has a seizure
If your child shows signs of having a febrile seizure:
Stay calm
Make sure the child is breathing
Roll the child onto his or her side (to avoid choking on their saliva or vomit)
Remove any nearby objects that your child might hit, causing additional injury
Loosen any clothing around your child’s head and neck
Stay with your child until the seizure is over
Keep track of how long the seizure lasts
Call your child's healthcare provider and report the seizure. Be able to describe what happened before, during, and after the seizure.
What not to do during a seizure
Don’t put your child in a cold bath.
Don’t stop (restrain) your child’s movements.
Don’t put anything in your child’s mouth.
Don’t give your child anything to eat or drink until he or she is awake and alert.
When to call your child's healthcare provider
Call your child's provider right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms.
Fever:
In an infant under 3 months old, a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
In a child 3 to 36 months, a fever of 102°F (39.0°C) or higher
In a child of any age, a fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
A fever that lasts more than 24 hours in a child under 2 years old
A fever that lasts for 3 days in a child 2 years or older
Other signs or symptoms:
A seizure for the first time
A previously diagnosed heart condition
Another seizure shortly after the first
Is extremely weak in the arms and legs
Continuous shakes or tremors
A lot of pain or a severe headache
Your child seems to be getting worse, or still seems sick once the fever is down
Signs of fluid loss (dehydration). These include severe thirst, dark yellow urine, not urinating often, dull or sunken eyes, dry skin, and dry or cracked lips.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if your child:
Has a seizure that lasts 5 minutes or more
Has a stiff neck
Vomits during the seizure
Remains unconscious, unresponsive, or confused after the seizure
Has trouble breathing
Has trouble swallowing or talking
Has pale or bluish skin
Is injured during the seizure
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Pierce-Smith, Daphne, RN, MSN, CCRC,Turley, Ray, BSN, MSN.,Brown, Kim, APRN,Duldner, John E., MD, MS,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.