What is a febrile seizure?

A seizure is disorganized electrical activity in the brain.

A febrile seizure occurs with the onset of fever in a child who has no previous history of brain damage.

Febrile seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes. Because  they are usually so brief, they are not thought to result in long term  problems.

Febrile seizures usually occur in children between the ages of 3  months and 6 years. Children who have one febrile seizure during this  period are more likely to have another up to the age of six.

Children who have febrile seizures when they are young are only  slightly more likely to have a seizure disorder later in life as  compared to children who have never had seizures.

What are the symptoms of a febrile seizure?

Symptoms of seizure can vary widely.

Although your child may not lose consciousness, he may appear suddenly to have stopped playing.

Your child may mumble or look as if he is chewing.

Your child may turn his head to one side or look as if he is staring off into space.

Your child may have twitches or jerking motions of his body.

Your child may lose consciousness.

Treatment

Get medical assistance for all first time febrile seizures by calling  your emergency medical system number (911 in most areas) or by going to  your hospital emergency room.

Protect your child from injury. Lay your child down on the floor  gently and turn your child onto his side. Place something soft (pillow,  cloth, your hand) between his head and the floor.

Move any objects out of the way.

Do NOT restrain, but gently guide your child’s movements in the case of a seizure.

Do NOT put anything in your child’s mouth as that could cause him to choke.

Controlling your child’s fever may decrease the risk of febrile  seizure. In most cases, however, a fever may come on so rapidly that it  is difficult to predict and treat.

Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®, or Panadol®) or ibuprofen  (Advil®, Motrin®) for fever, pain, and discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen if  your child is dehydrated or unable to take anything by mouth.

Follow the package instructions to determine the appropriate dose by your child’s WEIGHT or age for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Avoid ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated or unable to take anything by mouth.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child stops breathing during or after the seizure or turns blue  around the nose or mouth, call your emergency medical system number now  (911 in most areas).

Your child has never had a seizure before, Call Our Office Now.

Your child’s seizure lasts for more than 10 minutes,  Call Our Office Now.

Your child suffers any head injuries during the seizure, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.