Febrile Seizures(Fever Seizures)Pronounced: FEEB-ril SEE-zherz
by
Sonja Lyons DefinitionA febrile seizure is a convulsion (shaking, twitching, muscle tightness) or fainting associated with a fever. A febrile seizure occurs in infants or small children. This seizure is not associated with any other illness or medical condition except the fever. There are 2 types of febrile seizures:
Febrile seizures can be alarming. Fortunately, children tend to outgrow these seizures. There is also a low risk for long-term physical or mental disorders. CausesHigh body temperature due to a fever is believed to trigger the seizure. The fever is most often caused by common viral infections. Some febrile seizures may be caused by fever after routine immunizations. Risk FactorsAge is the greatest risk factor. Febrile seizures occur between ages 3 months and 5 years. Most febrile seizures occur in children between ages 6 months and 3 years. In general, the younger the age that the first febrile seizure occurs, the more likely it is that a child will have another seizure. There is some evidence that febrile seizures may run in families. SymptomsA seizure typically lasts a few seconds to a few minutes. Signs of a febrile seizure include:
If you suspect your child is having a febrile seizure, stay calm and follow these steps:
DiagnosisFebrile seizure is diagnosed based on information about the seizure and your child's health. Your child's bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:
Images may be taken of your child's head. This can be done with: Your child's brain function may be tested. This can be done with an electroencephalogram (EEG).
TreatmentChildren will eventually outgrow febrile seizures. The treatment goal is to manage fevers that may cause seizures. This may be done by treating the underlying infection. The treatments may include medication. MedicationTo address the underlying cause of fever, the child's doctor may advise:
A rectal valium gel may be advised. This gel can interrupt seizures. It may be recommended if the child has frequent seizures and the seizure lasts more than 4-5 minutes. PreventionFevers can happen suddenly. A seizure can be the first sign. As a result, there is no known way to prevent a febrile seizure. RESOURCES:Epilepsy Foundation http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
Febrile seizure. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113623/Febrile-seizure
. Updated August 9, 2017. Accessed September 21, 2017.
Febrile seizures: what every parent should know. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated March 2014. Accessed September 21, 2017. Mewasingh LD. Febrile seizures. Am Fam Phys. 2008; 78(10):1199-1200 NINDS febrile seizures information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Febrile-Seizures-Information-Page. Accessed September 21, 2017. Strengell T, Uhari M, et al. Antipyretic agents preventing recurrences of febrile seizures: randomized controlled trial.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009 Sep;163(9):799-804. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 9/25/2014 | |
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