What Is a Febrile Seizure?
A child experiencing a febrile seizure can be distressing. However, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment can help caregivers respond effectively.
Dr. Laurie Seltzer, Associate Professor of Child Neurology and Epilepsy at the University of Rochester Medical Center, sheds light on this childhood condition.
What Are Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures occur in young children, typically between the ages of 3 months and 5 years, during a sickness that causes a fever of over 99.5°F. They are not caused by conditions such as central nervous system infections (e.g., meningitis or encephalitis) or electrolyte imbalances, which would require specialized treatment.
Febrile seizures are classified into two main categories:
Simple Febrile Seizures
- Brief episodes
- Affect the entire body
- Occur as isolated events during a febrile illness
Complex Febrile Seizures
- Episodes that last more than 10 minutes
- Affect only one part of the body
- Recur multiple times during the same febrile illness
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Febrile Seizures?
Typically, febrile seizures involve:
- Loss of awareness
- Decreased responsiveness
- Rhythmic shaking
- Body becoming limp
Providing detailed descriptions of the event—such as the child’s movements and the length of the seizure—can help healthcare providers with their evaluation.
What Should You Do If Your Child Has a Seizure?
Witnessing a seizure can be frightening, but it’s critical to follow basic first-aid steps:
- Ensure Safety: Move the child to a safe location, away from sharp objects, water, or heights where they might fall.
- Time the Seizure: Check the time to determine how long the seizure lasts, as duration is an important detail for healthcare providers.
- Roll to the Side: If possible, gently roll the child onto their side to prevent choking, especially if vomiting occurs.
- Avoid Restraint: Do not attempt to restrain the child’s movements or place anything in their mouth.
- Observe Recovery: After the seizure, the child may appear tired or lethargic, which is normal.
If the seizure lasts less than three minutes, you should contact your pediatrician or take your child to the emergency room for an evaluation. However, for seizures lasting more than three minutes, call 911 immediately, as medications might be needed to stop the seizure.
If you have concerns about your child’s condition, you should always consult with a pediatrician or neurologist.
Can Febrile Seizures Be Prevented?
Preventing febrile seizures can be challenging. While medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can manage fever symptoms, they do not necessarily prevent seizures.
Routine use of daily seizure medications is generally avoided, as the risks outweigh the benefits for most children with febrile seizures. However, a seizure rescue medication may be prescribed in cases where prolonged seizures are a concern.
Although a third of children who experience a febrile seizure may have a recurrence, they do not have a higher-than-average risk of developing epilepsy.
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