Febrile Convulsion

A febrile convulsion is a type of seizure that can happen to young children when they have a high fever. It is also called a fever seizure. This can look scary, but it is quite common and usually not dangerous. Knowing what a febrile convulsion is and what to do can help you stay calm and give the right care until medical help arrives.

What is a Febrile Convulsion?

A febrile convulsion happens when a child’s body reacts to a quick rise in temperature, usually from an infection. When the fever goes up quickly, the brain can sometimes become very excited and cause a seizure. A seizure is when the muscles suddenly move or jerk without control.

Febrile convulsions usually happen in children between 6 months and 5 years old. It is very rare in babies younger than 6 months and children older than 5 years. The convulsion often lasts only a short time, typically less than 5 minutes.

What Does a Febrile Convulsion Look Like?

When a febrile convulsion happens, you might see the child’s body stiffen. Their arms and legs may shake or jerk quickly. Sometimes, the child’s eyes roll back, or they may stop breathing for a moment. Their face might go pale or blue, but this usually improves once the convulsion stops.

Some children may also lose consciousness, meaning they might not wake up or respond during the seizure. They may drool or lose control of their bladder or bowels. After the convulsion ends, the child might feel sleepy or confused for a little while.

Why Does a Febrile Convulsion Happen?

A febrile convulsion is related to fever. Fever is the body’s way of fighting infection, like from a cold, flu, or ear infection. Sometimes, when the fever rises quickly, especially above 38 degrees Celsius, the brain can become overactive and cause a seizure.

It is important to know that febrile convulsions are not caused by epilepsy or long-term brain problems. They just happen with fever and most children do not develop epilepsy after having a febrile convulsion.

Is a Febrile Convulsion Dangerous?

Most febrile convulsions are short and do not cause harm. They usually stop on their own after a few minutes. It can be very frightening to watch, but the child often recovers quickly.

However, a convulsion that lasts more than 5 minutes needs urgent medical help. Also, if the child has trouble breathing, does not wake up after the seizure, or is injured during the seizure, you should call emergency services.

What Should You Do During a Febrile Convulsion?

If you see a child having a febrile convulsion, stay calm and follow these general steps:

• First, protect the child from injury. Move any dangerous objects away, like sharp toys or furniture.
• Place the child on a soft surface, such as a bed or the floor, so they do not fall.

Turn the child gently onto their side if you can. This helps keep the airway clear and allows saliva or vomit to drain out, preventing choking.

Do not hold the child down or try to stop the movements.

Do not put anything in the child’s mouth. This can cause choking or damage their teeth.

Watch the time and see how long the convulsion lasts.

After the convulsion stops, make sure the child is breathing normally and stays on their side to keep the airway open.

Comfort the child as they wake up. They might be confused or sleepy for a short time.

When Should You Call Emergency Services (000)?

Call 000 straight away if:

• The convulsion lasts more than 5 minutes.
• The child has trouble breathing, is turning blue, or stops breathing.
• The child does not wake up or respond after the convulsion.
• This is the child’s first seizure, and you are not sure what is happening.
• The child is injured during the seizure.
• The child has more than one convulsion without waking up in between.

Otherwise, it is still a good idea to see a doctor or health professional soon after a febrile convulsion to find out why the child had a fever and seizure.

How to Help Prevent Febrile Convulsions

You cannot always stop febrile convulsions, but you can look after children’s health to reduce fever and sickness.

Check the child’s temperature when they are unwell.

Give medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever if the child is uncomfortable. Always follow the instructions on the medicine bottle or ask a pharmacist.

Make sure the child drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Dress the child in light clothes and keep the room cool.

Seek medical advice if the child has a high or ongoing fever.

When to See a Doctor

After a febrile convulsion, it is important to have the child seen by a health professional. They can check the child to make sure there is no serious illness causing the fever.

You should take the child to a doctor if:

• The child is younger than 6 months and has a fever.
• The fever is very high or lasts more than a few days.
• The child has other symptoms like stiff neck, rash, difficulty breathing, or is very sleepy.
• The child has had more than one seizure.
• The child does not seem to be getting better.

What Happens Next?

Most children who have a febrile convulsion recover quickly. The convulsion itself does not usually cause any lasting problems.

Doctors will try to find out why the child has a fever and treat the infection or illness causing it.

You may be given advice on how to care for the child and what to watch for in the future.

It is common for febrile convulsions to happen again with future fevers, but this is usually still not dangerous.

Remember to be calm, watch carefully, and get medical help when you need it.

Staying Safe

When taking care of a child with fever or after a convulsion, always watch for signs that they need urgent help. Keep emergency numbers handy. In Australia, call 000 for ambulance services in an emergency.

Make sure the child’s environment is safe. Remove hard or sharp objects that could hurt them if they have a seizure.

Avoid leaving a child with a fever alone.

Summary

A febrile convulsion is a seizure caused by a fast rise in a child’s fever. It usually happens in children under 5 years old.

The convulsion may make the child’s body shake or stiffen for a short time.

Most febrile convulsions stop on their own and are not dangerous.

Protect the child from injury and keep their airway clear during a convulsion.

Do not put anything in the child’s mouth.

Call emergency services if the convulsion lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the child has trouble breathing or does not wake up.

Look after a child’s fever carefully and see a doctor after a febrile convulsion.

Knowing what febrile convulsions are and how to respond can help keep children safe and calm in a scary situation.

Sources reviewed

• Healthdirect: febrile seizure
• Healthdirect: seizures
• Triple Zero: official emergency calling guidance

Reviewed against current Australian neurological, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.