Febrile Convulsions

Febrile convulsions (seizures caused by fever) occur in 3-4 of every 100 children between 6 months and 5 years of age, and most commonly between 12-18 months of age. If the first simple febrile seizures develop before the age of 1 year, there is about a 50% chance of recurrence, and if the first seizures occur after the age of 1 year, there is a 30% chance of recurrence. A tiny number of children with febrile seizures may develop epilepsy.

Febrile seizures usually develop within the first few hours of the onset of fever. The child may look strange or lethargic, roll his eyes, or be unconscious for a few seconds or minutes. The color of the skin may change. Once the seizure is over, the person quickly returns to their original state. An episode usually lasts 1 minute but, on rare occasions, may last up to 15 minutes. Rarely, more than 1 episode of febrile seizures will occur in 24 hours.

What should you do during a febrile seizure?

• Put your child on the floor or bed, away from all dangerous objects.
• Turn the child's head to the side so saliva or vomit can come out of the mouth, and there is no risk of choking.
• Do not put objects in the mouth, and do not try to stick his tongue out. The child will not swallow the tongue.
• Call an ambulance.

Is there any risk of the child having another seizure?

Febrile seizures are usually genetically caused. In cases of febrile seizures that develop before the age of 1 year, there is a 50% chance of recurrence, over the age of 1 year, there is a 30% chance.

Are febrile seizures dangerous?

Although febrile seizures are frightening to others, they are not dangerous for a child. They do not cause brain damage, changes in the nervous system, mental retardation, paralysis or death.

It is more important to find out the cause of the fever and treat it appropriately than the seizure itself.

Prevention of simple febrile seizures is not usually recommended. Antipyretics reduce fever and are used to treat fever, but they do not prevent attacks.