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Why is my child having a febrile seizure?
- 3-4 out of every 100 healthy children will have a seizure when they have a fever.
- The most common age range for occurrence is 6 months to 5 years old.
- Usually, children have outgrown them by 5 years old.
- About one-third of kids who have had a febrile seizure will have another one.
- The seizure can happen at any elevated temperature, but is more common when temperatures rise rapidly, and with temperatures of 102℉ and above. They usually happen within the first few hours of the fever.
- Usually, these fevers are caused by viral infections.
- Febrile seizures are known to be hereditary – this means that a child is more likely to have a febrile seizure if someone else in the family (parent or sibling) also has or had them.
What are the symptoms of a febrile seizure?
- Your child may stiffen parts of or even their entire body.
- Your child may rigidly shake one or more parts of their body.
- The seizure usually doesn’t last more than 3 to 4 minutes but can go longer.
- Your child may breathe differently during the seizure.
- Your child will be unresponsive to your touch or sound.
- Your child’s eyes may roll.
- After the seizure, your child may seem more tired, fussy, or confused.
- This should only happen for a short period of time and then your child should return to their normal activity level.
How do I help my child during a febrile seizure?
- Ensure your child is away from risk of injury from any sharp or hard objects.
- Roll your child onto their side.
- Make sure their face is turned to the side to allow any saliva or vomit to drain out.
- Do not place anything into their mouth.
- Call your child’s provider, your child does need to be seen.
- If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes call 9-1-1
How do I prevent febrile seizures?
- There is no one way to prevent a febrile seizure.
- Although it is scary to most caregivers, it is not dangerous and does not lead to any long-term health consequences.
- Just because your child had a febrile seizure, it does not mean that they are more likely to develop other types of seizures or have epilepsy.
- Keep your child up-to-date on vaccines.
- Keep your child away from any sick contacts.
- Encourage frequent hand washing.
- Clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Tylenol and ibuprofen are helpful for fever but will not prevent a febrile seizure.
When to call your child’s provider:
- Your child had a febrile seizure or any seizure like activity.
- Your child has trouble breathing.
- Your child has experienced a fever for five days.
- If your child’s seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 9-1-1.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 11/2023