Febrile Seizures Parents Guide

Febrile Seizures Parents Guide

Febrile convulsions

Febrile convulsions are a type of fit (seizure) that can happen when a child, usually between theages of six months and five years, has a high temperature. One in 50 children will have had a febrile convulsion by the time they are five years old. It is a common illness, which amongst children usually outgrow without any lasting effects. Febrile convulsions can affect any child, butoccur more commonly if another close family member has had one or if the child has had one before.

What causes febrile convulsions?

Febrile convulsions can occur when children develop a high temperature of 38 C or more. The reason why febrile convulsions happen is still not known, but they are more common if someoneelse in the family has had them. The high temperature is usually due to common viruses, which causes ear, throat or chest infections. It can also be due to bacterial infections, such as urine infections. It can also be due to bacterial infections, such as urine infections.

What are the signs and symptoms of the febrile convulsions?

A febrile convulsion can be very frightening for parents and/or caregivers to watch. However; they are not harmful to your child and do not cause brain damage. A febrile convulsion looks likean epileptic seizure (fit). The child will suddenly become stiff and lose consciousness. Both armsand legs may start jerking or twitching, their eyes may roll back and thy may wet or soil themselves. After a convulsion it is normal for children to sleep for a short period of time.

Febrile convulsions are described as simple or complex. A simple convulsion lasts for less than 5 minutes and does not happen again during the same illness. A complex convulsion lasts for longer than 10 minutes, affects only one side or part of the body and /or recurs within 24 hours or during the same illness.

How febrile convulsions are diagnose?

A febrile convulsion is diagnosed by taking a full medical history from the child’s parents and/or caregivers. If someone else was looking after the child at the time of the convulsion, it is important that they are available to give a description to the medical team about what happened. A physical examination will then be carried out. This will involve measuring of the child’s temperature, pulse, heart rate, breathing rate, sugar levels and blood pressure.

The doctor will listen to the child’s heart and lungs feel their tummy and assess their level of alertness. The doctor may ask for a blood or urine sample to help identify the source of infection.

If there are concerns that the fever may have been caused by a serious bacterial infection such as meningitis, a lumbar puncture and additional tests may be performed.

If the febrile convulsion is categorized as ‘complex’ or the child shows symptoms or signs that are not typically seen in children with febrile convulsion, the doctor may request additional tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to look at brainwave activity.

What should I do when a child is having a febrile convulsion?

When a child is having a febrile convulsion, it is important to put them in a safe position and staywith them while the convulsion is happening.

The safest position is the recovery position, on their side with their head tilted backwards.

Make sure they are in a safe area and should not get themselves hurt.

Do not put anything in their mouth - this is more dangerous than the risk of biting their tongue.

Loosen any tight clothes around the neck.

Get the fresh air into face. It is important to make sure that they have a clear mouth and nose for breathing.

Do not try to hold them still or stop the jerking movements. Usually fits stops by 5 minutes.

If it is the child’s first febrile convulsion, a doctor should review the child even if the convulsion was brief, to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the child is well. If the child has had febrile convulsions before, one may not need to take them to hospital if they recover quickly and are well. However, if the convulsion lasts longer than five minutes or if the child does not recover quickly call ambulance.