Febrile convulsions – frequently asked questions
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Febrile Convulsions
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A febrile convulsion is a fit or seizure caused by a fever. They are caused by a sudden change in your child’s body temperature and are usually associated with a fever (a temperature above 38°C). A high temperature is a sign of infection somewhere in the body and is often caused by a virus or bacteria. A high fever does not necessarily mean your child has a serious illness. Fever is not known to cause damage to the brain or other organs.
Most children with fever suffer only minor discomfort, however one child in 30 will have a febrile convulsion at one time or another. This usually happens between the ages of six months and six years. Febrile convulsions are not harmful to your child and do not cause brain damage. They are, however, quite upsetting to parents to witness.
Most children who have a febrile convulsion will only ever have just one. Some children will have one or more seizures, usually during illnesses which cause a fever. There is no increased risk of epilepsy in children who have had febrile convulsions.
Signs and symptoms
During a febrile convulsion:
- Your child will usually lose consciousness.
- Their muscles may stiffen or jerk.
- Your child may go red or blue in the face.
- The convulsion may last for several minutes.
When the movements stop, your child will regain consciousness but will probably remain sleepy or irritated afterwards.
Treatment during a convulsion
There is nothing you can do to make the convulsion stop.
- The most important thing is to stay calm – don’t panic.
- Place your child on a soft surface, lying on his or her side or back.
- Do not restrain your child.
- Do not put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. Your child will not choke or swallow their tongue.
- Try to watch exactly what happens, so that you can describe it to the doctor later.
- Time how long the convulsion lasts.
- Do not put a child who is having a convulsion in the bath.
If my child has a febrile convulsion, does that mean they have epilepsy?
No. Febrile convulsions are fits or seizures that occur only with a fever. Children with epilepsy have repeated seizures without fever. Most children who experience febrile convulsion only ever have one. Some may have one or more febrile convulsions during future febrile illnesses, however, a febrile convulsion will not necessarily occur every time the child has a fever. Children who have infrequent febrile convulsions do not have an increased risk of epilepsy.
Do febrile convulsions cause brain damage?
No. No matter how dramatic and frightening febrile convulsions may look, they do not cause brain damage. Even very long convulsions lasting an hour or more almost never cause any harm.
If my child has one febrile convulsion, will it happen again?
About one in three children will have more febrile convulsions with future febrile illnesses. Even if your child has many febrile convulsions, it still does not mean they have epilepsy. Your child will outgrow the tendency to have febrile convulsions when they are about four or five years old. If your child has experienced a febrile convulsion, it is important for you to learn what to do if your child does have another.
Once the convulsion is over, does my child need special treatment?
Your child may be a bit cranky for a day or so, but this will pass. Carry on with your usual routines. Put your child to sleep at the usual time, in their own bed. Don’t worry about whether you will hear a convulsion – your child will be safe in a bed or cot. It is recommended that your child sees a doctor to find out the cause of the fever that has caused the febrile convulsion.
Can a child who has febrile convulsions lead a normal life?
Yes. We expect children with febrile convulsions to grow up healthily and without long term problems
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Superintendent, ICH.