Febrile Seizure

A febrile seizure refers to a convulsion or seizure that occurs in young children due to a sudden rise in body temperature, usually as a result of a fever. Febrile seizures commonly occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

Types

Febrile seizures can be classified into two types:

  1. Simple febrile seizure: This type typically lasts for less than 15 minutes, occurs only once in a 24-hour period, and does not recur within a short timeframe.
  2. Complex febrile seizure: Complex febrile seizures are characterized by longer durations (over 15 minutes), recurrence within 24 hours or during the same febrile illness, and may affect only one side of the body.

Causes

The exact cause of febrile seizures is not fully understood. However, they are generally triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, often associated with viral or bacterial infections. Febrile seizures typically occur when a child’s body temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C). This sudden rise in temperature can affect the electrical activity in the brain, leading to a seizure.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of febrile seizures include:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Convulsions or jerking movements
  • Stiffening or twitching of arms and legs
  • Rolling of eyes
  • Difficulty breathing or turning blue
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Treatment

During a febrile seizure, it is important to:

  • Lay the child on their side to prevent choking
  • Ensure their safety by removing any objects that could cause harm
  • Do not restrain or try to stop the seizure
  • Monitor the duration of the seizure

Once the seizure has stopped, seek immediate medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.

Prevention

While it is challenging to prevent febrile seizures since they are often unpredictable, some preventive measures can be taken:

  • Manage fever promptly using appropriate fever-reducing medications
  • Ensure the child is well-hydrated
  • Use cooling methods like lukewarm sponge baths to lower body temperature
  • Protect from excessive exposure to extreme temperatures

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the fever and how to manage it effectively.