What are febrile seizures?
Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in children who have a fever. They usually occur in children between the ages of 9 months and 5 years.
What are the symptoms of febrile seizures?
A febrile seizure usually lasts from a few seconds to 10 minutes and is often followed by a short period of confusion or drowsiness. Most commonly, the child’s eyes will roll back and the legs will stiffen. Some of these symptoms may also occur:
- Sudden twitching of muscles
- Falling down if standing
- Crying or moaning
- Vomiting or biting the tongue
- Jerking rhythmically
- Urinating
- Not responding to parent’s voice
If the seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs in only one part of the body, or is repeated during the same illness, it is not considered a normal febrile seizure.
What are the causes of febrile seizures?
Febrile seizures are usually hereditary, and are caused by temperatures of 38°C or higher, usually related to a viral illness or cold.
What is the treatment of febrile seizures?
Treatment is mainly based on controlling the situation, so the following measures are recommended:
- Do not restrain the child’s convulsive movements
- Do not leave the child alone
- Keep the child away from furniture and other sharp objects.
- Put some protection under the child if the floor is hard.
- Do not move the child, unless it is in a dangerous place.
- Loosen any tight clothing (especially around the neck).
- Turn the child on his or her side or face down (if vomiting or saliva builds up).
- Do not put anything in the mouth to prevent biting the tongue.
- If the seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes, call 911.