Febrile Seizures in Children: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Are Febrile Seizures?

Febrile seizures are sudden fits that happen in young children when they have a fever. Usually, these seizures occur in children between 6 months and 5 years old. In the United States, febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in children. Although they can be scary, most febrile seizures are not harmful. Often, they do not cause long-term health problems. Parents and caregivers often worry, but knowing the facts can help ease concerns.

Common Symptoms

Febrile seizures can look different in each child. However, most children show some common signs. For example, you might notice:

Sudden shaking or jerking of arms and legs

Loss of consciousness or fainting

Stiffening of the body

Rolling back of the eyes

Moaning or crying out

Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)

Usually, febrile seizures last less than five minutes. Afterward, your child may be sleepy or confused for a short time. Still, most children recover quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Febrile seizures are linked to a sudden rise in body temperature. While the exact cause is not always clear, several factors can increase the risk. For instance, children are more likely to have febrile seizures if:

They have a family history of febrile seizures

They are between 6 months and 5 years old

They have a high fever from an infection, such as a cold or ear infection

They had their first seizure at a younger age

Even so, most children with fevers do not have seizures. According to the CDC, only about 2% to 5% of children in the United States experience febrile seizures.

How Febrile Seizures Are Diagnosed

Doctors diagnose febrile seizures by asking about your child’s symptoms and medical history. Often, they will do a physical exam. Sometimes, doctors may order tests to rule out other causes. For example, they may check for infections or other health problems. However, most children do not need many tests if the seizure was short and your child is healthy otherwise.

Treatment Options

Most febrile seizures stop on their own within a few minutes. Therefore, treatment usually focuses on keeping your child safe during the seizure. Doctors may recommend:

Lowering your child’s fever with medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Treating the cause of the fever, such as an infection

Watching your child closely after the seizure

In rare cases, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, emergency care may be needed. Sometimes, doctors may give medicine to stop the seizure. But for most children, no long-term treatment is needed.

Home Care and Safety Tips

When your child has a febrile seizure, staying calm is important. Here are some steps you can take at home:

Lay your child on their side on a soft surface

Remove any nearby objects to prevent injury

Do not put anything in your child’s mouth

Do not try to hold or stop their movements

Time the seizure if possible

After the seizure, let your child rest

If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, call emergency services right away. Also, seek help if your child has trouble breathing or does not wake up after the seizure.

Prevention Strategies

While you cannot always prevent febrile seizures, there are steps you can take to lower the risk. For example:

Treat fevers early with medicine as advised by your doctor

Keep your child cool and comfortable during illness

Make sure your child drinks enough fluids

Follow your doctor’s advice for managing infections

However, even with these steps, some children may still have febrile seizures. Most importantly, remember that these seizures are usually not dangerous.

When to See a Doctor

Although febrile seizures are often harmless, you should contact your doctor if:

The seizure lasts longer than five minutes

Your child has trouble breathing or turns blue

Your child does not wake up or respond after the seizure

This is your child’s first seizure

Your child has repeated seizures during the same illness

Additionally, always seek medical advice if you are unsure or worried about your child’s health.

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, consult a pediatric specialist for personalized guidance.