A febrile seizure is a fit caused by a fever, which usually affects children between 6 months and 5 years. Most last 2 to 3 minutes and cause no lasting harm, but a first seizure always needs urgent medical assessment.
Key takeaways
- The child may go stiff, twitch, lose consciousness and be drowsy afterwards.
- Febrile seizures are frightening but usually harmless.
- Bringing down a fever does not reliably prevent them.
What should I do during a seizure?
The NHS advises:
- Note the time the seizure starts.
- Lay your child somewhere safe and cushion their head; move away hard objects.
- Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
- When the seizure stops, turn them on their side in the recovery position.
When to talk to your doctor
Call your local emergency number if it is your child's first seizure, if it lasts more than 5 minutes, if they have trouble breathing, if the seizure affects only one side of the body, if they stay very drowsy for more than an hour, or if they have another seizure within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Most children who have febrile seizures do not develop epilepsy.