Disease
Febrile Seizures
Overview of Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in young children and infants due to a high fever typically associated with infections. These seizures are usually brief and non threatening but can cause significant concern for parents. They are the most common type of seizure in children typically affecting those between 6 months and 5 years old.
Types of Febrile Seizures
- Simple Febrile Seizure: This is the most common form lasting less than 15 minutes and occurring once in 24 hours.
- Complex Febrile Seizure: These are less common and last longer than 15 minutes, can occur more than once in 24 hours or have focal features (affecting one side of the body).
Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
- Sudden stiffness and jerking movements of the body.
- Loss of awareness and consciousness.
- Uncontrollable eye movements or rolling eyes.
- After the seizure the child may feel tired or disoriented for a short period.
Causes of Febrile Seizures
- Viral infections: Common colds, flu and respiratory infections often trigger a high fever.
- Bacterial infections: Such as ear infections or pneumonia can also cause a fever and lead to febrile seizures.
- Rare causes: Severe infections like meningitis or encephalitis may also lead to febrile seizures though they are much less common.
Complications in Febrile Seizures
- Post seizure confusion: After the seizure the child may experience confusion or extreme tiredness.
- Physical injury: Though rare, a child could accidentally hurt themselves during a seizure.
- Risk of epilepsy: In a small percentage of cases children may develop epilepsy, though this is not typical.
Risk Factors of Febrile Seizures
- Age: Most febrile seizures occur between 6 months and 5 years.
- Family history: Children whose parents or siblings have had febrile seizures are at a higher risk.
- Rapid fever spikes: Sudden increases in body temperature especially from an infection can trigger seizures.
Preventions of Febrile Seizures
- Fever control: Administering fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Cooling strategies: Using lukewarm baths or light clothing to help keep the body temperature stable.
- Vaccinations: Keeping immunisations up to date to avoid illnesses that can cause fever.
Diagnosis of Febrile Seizures
- Medical history: The doctor will inquire about the child’s recent illnesses and fever history.
- Physical exam: To check for signs of infection or other possible causes of the seizure.
- Tests (if necessary): Blood tests, lumbar puncture or an EEG might be needed if there is concern about epilepsy or other serious conditions.
Treatments of Febrile Seizures
- Managing fever: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down the fever and prevent seizures.
- Seizure medications: In rare cases anticonvulsant drugs may be prescribed if seizures become frequent.
- Emergency medication: Diazepam or other sedatives may be used for prolonged seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Prognosis of Febrile Seizures
The vast majority of children outgrow febrile seizures by the time they reach 5 years old.
The recurrence rate of febrile seizures is around 30%, but most children do not go on to develop epilepsy.
Long term outcomes are usually excellent, and the child’s developmental milestones are not typically affected.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
At MyhealthMydoctor we offer compassionate care for managing febrile seizures.
Our pediatric neurologists specialize in creating personalised care plans ensuring the well being of your child.
We provide ongoing support, from fever management to seizure prevention so parents feel informed and reassured every step of the way.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- How can I prevent febrile seizures from happening again?
- Is it normal for the seizure to last longer than usual?
- Can febrile seizures lead to epilepsy?
- How do I handle a seizure if it happens again?
- What signs should I look for to know if the seizure is becoming dangerous?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear and detailed explanations about febrile seizures and their causes.
- Practical advice on managing fever and preventing future seizures.
- Assurance and guidance on how to respond if a seizure occurs.
- A tailored care plan for your child’s health and addressing any concerns about febrile seizures.