Febrile Seizures in Children

Overview

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in young children when they have a fever. These seizures, while often frightening for parents, are generally harmless and don’t cause long-term health problems. Febrile seizures typically affect children between 6 months and 5 years of age, with peak incidence around 18 months.

Symptoms

Common signs of febrile seizures include:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Shaking or jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Rolling eyes
  • Stiffening of the body
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Lasting from a few seconds to up to 15 minutes (typically 1-2 minutes)

Causes

Febrile seizures are triggered by fever, usually above 38°C (100.4°F). They can be caused by:

  • Viral infections (most common)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Vaccinations (rarely)
  • Rapid rise in body temperature

Diagnosis

To diagnose febrile seizures, our pediatricians will:

  • Take a detailed medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • May order blood tests or imaging studies to rule out other conditions
  • Assess the child’s overall health and development

Treatment Options

While frightening, most febrile seizures stop on their own and don’t require specific treatment. At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we offer:

  • Immediate care to ensure the child’s safety during a seizure
  • Fever management techniques
  • Education for parents on how to handle future episodes
  • Evaluation for any underlying conditions
  • In rare cases, anti-seizure medications may be prescribed

Patient Success Stories

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Febrile Seizures. Here’s why families trust us:

“When our daughter had her first febrile seizure, we were terrified. The team at Gertrude's was incredibly reassuring and provided excellent care. They taught us how to manage her fever and what to do if it happens again. We feel much more confident now.”

Mark and Lisaparents of a 2-year-old

Febrile Seizures in Children

While scary to witness, febrile seizures are generally harmless and don't cause brain damage or long-term health issues.

The risk is very low. Most children who have febrile seizures do not develop epilepsy.

While you can't always prevent them, managing your child's fever with appropriate medication can help reduce the risk.

Contact Us

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, our pediatric emergency department is here to help 24/7. For follow-up care or concerns about your child’s health, schedule an appointment with our pediatric neurology team.

Contact us today to learn more about our Febrile Seizures in Children treatment options.

Book Appointment