Febrile Seizures in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Learn about febrile seizures in children, their causes, symptoms, and treatment. Get essential tips for parents on managing episodes and when to seek medical help.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
As a parent, there are many moments when your child’s health and safety may worry you. One of the most distressing events is witnessing your child experience a seizure, particularly during a fever. Unlike epileptic seizures, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, febrile seizures are related to fever.
What Are Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures are convulsions or uncontrolled shaking that occur in children, typically between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, when they develop a fever. These seizures are a common childhood occurrence, with an estimated 2-5% of children experiencing one at some point. They are most commonly triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature due to infections such as colds, flu, or ear infections. Most children who experience them will not go on to develop epilepsy or other long-term neurological problems.
Types of Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are typically classified into two main categories:
1. Simple Febrile Seizures
The majority of febrile seizures are simple febrile seizures, which are generally brief (lasting less than 15 minutes) and involve the entire body, with the child losing consciousness and displaying shaking or twitching movements. These seizures usually do not cause lasting harm and, in most cases, children recover quickly once the fever comes down.
2. Complex Febrile Seizures
Complex febrile seizures are less common but may last longer than 15 minutes or involve just one part of the body, such as the arms or legs. If your child experiences a complex febrile seizure, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other underlying conditions, although these seizures still generally do not indicate a serious neurological disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors for Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are caused by the body’s response to fever, typically due to an infection. Children’s brains are particularly sensitive to changes in body temperature, and when a fever rises rapidly, it can trigger a seizure.
1. Common Triggers
Viral infections: Respiratory infections (such as the flu or common cold), ear infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
Bacterial infections: Ear infections and some severe illnesses like meningitis, although these are rarer causes of febrile seizures.
Vaccinations: In some cases, a fever following a vaccination may also trigger a febrile seizure, though this is a rare occurrence.
2. Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of a child experiencing a febrile seizure:
Age: Children between 6 months and 5 years are most vulnerable. The risk decreases as they grow older.
Family history: If there is a family history of febrile seizures or epilepsy, a child may be more likely to experience one.
High fever: Children with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher are more likely to experience febrile seizures.
Signs and Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
Recognising the signs of a febrile seizure can be distressing, but understanding the typical symptoms can help you stay calm and act appropriately.
A febrile seizure usually begins suddenly and without warning. Symptoms include:
Body stiffening and twitching or jerking movements.
Loss of consciousness: The child may appear unresponsive and may not be aware of their surroundings.
Eyes rolling back or staring blankly.
Fever: Often, the seizure occurs in the midst of a fever.
Breathing changes: Breathing may become irregular or shallow, but this is usually temporary.
In most cases, a simple febrile seizure will last less than 5 minutes and end by itself. However, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
How to Manage a Febrile Seizure?
If your child has a febrile seizure, the experience can be frightening, but it is important to stay calm. Here’s what to do:
Stay calm: Try not to panic. Most febrile seizures are brief and will stop on their own.
Ensure safety: Gently place your child on the floor in a safe area, away from hard objects or furniture. Avoid restraining their movements.
Protect the head: Place a soft cushion or something soft under their head to avoid injury.
Do not put anything in the mouth: Never place a spoon, fingers, or any other object in your child’s mouth during a seizure. This could cause choking or injury.
Check the time: Note the time the seizure starts. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately.
After the seizure: Once the seizure stops, your child may be drowsy, confused, or upset. Allow them to rest in a safe position on their side and monitor their breathing. Offer comfort and support when they regain full consciousness.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While most febrile seizures are benign and self-limiting, there are situations where you should seek immediate medical attention:
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
If your child has difficulty breathing or seems unusually weak or unresponsive after the seizure.
If this is your child’s first febrile seizure, or if they experience multiple seizures in a short period.
If your child has a fever but no obvious signs of illness or the fever rises suddenly without a known cause.
Always call a healthcare professional or take your child to the hospital if you are in doubt or need further guidance.
Long-Term Outlook for Children with Febrile Seizures
The majority of children who experience febrile seizures will recover without any lasting effects. However, there is a slightly increased risk that a child who has had a febrile seizure will experience another one, particularly if they are young, have a family history of febrile seizures, or experience a high fever again.
Importantly, febrile seizures do not cause brain damage, and most children who experience them do not develop epilepsy. In fact, the risk of developing epilepsy later in life remains low, even for children who have had a febrile seizure.
Preventing Febrile Seizures
While it is not always possible to prevent febrile seizures, there are some steps parents can take to reduce the risk:
Control fever: If your child develops a fever, you can help by offering fever-reducing medication, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, to lower their temperature. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage for your child’s age and weight.
Keep your child hydrated: Fever can lead to dehydration, which may make seizures more likely. Offer your child plenty of fluids.
Monitor temperature regularly: If your child has a fever, keep track of their temperature and seek medical advice if it rises quickly or goes above 38.9°C (102°F).
Vaccinations: Keep up-to-date with your child’s immunisations, as some vaccines can help prevent infections that may lead to febrile seizures.
Conclusion
Febrile seizures, while alarming, are generally not a cause for long-term concern. By understanding the causes, signs, and steps for managing febrile seizures, you can be prepared if your child experiences one. Most importantly, remember that febrile seizures do not result in lasting harm, and with appropriate care and attention, your child can recover quickly. If you’re ever unsure or anxious about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance and support.
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