Knowing what to do if your child has a febrile seizure brings peace of mind and prevents panic should a seizure occur.
When Febrile Seizures Are Most Likely to Occur
Most febrile seizures occur when a child’s temperature rises suddenly to 102F or higher. Most occur as the temperature first begins to rise. Febrile seizures often are the first sign of illness in a small child. Seizures may also occur after vaccinations, the Mayo Clinic states.
Febrile seizures affect at least one child in 25 before the age of three. Most febrile seizures occur in children between the ages of six months and three years; the older the child at the time of the first seizure, the less likely a child is to have another seizure. However, one third of children do have a second seizure, and one half of those will have a third, although few children have more than three in their lifetime.
Symptoms of a Febrile Seizure in a Small Child
A febrile seizure that’s short-lived, lasting a minute or two is called a simple seizure. A seizure that lasts 15 minutes or more is called a complex seizure and may indicate a more serious disorder. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, eyes rolling back in the head, and shaking or jerking of the arms and legs. Afterward, the child may be dazed, confused or irritable.
Treatment for a Febrile Childhood Seizure
A first-time seizure requires immediate medical evaluation to be certain no serious underlying condition is responsible. If a child has had a febrile seizure in the past, keeping the child safe during the seizure and then following up with a medical appointment to determine the cause of the fever may be all that’s necessary. During a seizure, turn the child so he doesn’t choke; don’t try to put anything in his mouth to keep him from biting his tongue.
Complications of Seizure in Children
When the child loses consciousness, he could fall and hurt himself. He may also bite his tongue or choke on something in his mouth, aspirate fluid into his lungs, stop breathing or turn blue.
Febrile Seizures and the Risk of Developing Epilepsy
Only 2 to 5% of children who have febrile seizures go on to develop epilepsy. Children most likely to develop epilepsy are those who have prolonged seizures, who have seizures that affect just one side, or those who have another seizure within 24 hours. Children with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries are also more likely to develop epilepsy, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states.
Taking Care of Your Child during a Pediatric Seizure
Most febrile seizures are frightening but benign. Staying calm during the seizure, making sure the child doesn’t hurt himself and following up with medical personnel is usually all that’s required.
Source:
Mayo Clinic Online: Febrile Seizures (accessed May 13, 2010)
Sharon Perkins - Sharon is an RN with over 20 years experience in maternal child health, oncology, and ophthalmology. She was the RN coordinator for an ...
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