Febrile Convulsion

Febrile Convulsion

It is possible when some children have a fever they may have a febrile convulsion (seizure). This happens when there is a sudden rise in your child’s temperature.

• 1 in 30 children will have a febrile convulsion.
• Between 6 months and 6 years.
• Febrile convulsions are not harmful, do not cause brain damage and there is no increased risk of developing epilepsy. 
• Febrile convulsions are distressing for a parent to witness.

Signs and Symptoms

• Loss of consciousness.
• Child can go red or blue in the face.
• Muscles will stiffen or jerk.
• The convulsion may last a few minutes before the movement stops.
• The child may be sleepy and irritable afterwards.

 

 

Treatment

You cannot stop the convulsion but you can do the following to assist your child:

• STAY CALM.
• Ensure your child is in a safe environment. Preferably a soft surface to protect them.
• Do not try and restrain your child (eg: stop the jerking).
• Do not put anything in their mouth (including your fingers), they will not swallow their tongue.
• Leave your child on their back, if you are concerned with vomiting, place them onto their side (recovery position).
• Time the length of the convulsion.
• Watch what happens, this information is important to relay onto the medical professionals.

What to do if the convulsion occurs in a car seat, pram or wheelchair:

• If they are in a car seat or pram and safely secured leave them there and gently support their head.
• Place them in the recovery position when the convulsion has stopped.

If the convulsion stops in under 5 minutes you should have them seen by a doctor.  If they were unwell before the convulsion you should have them seen by an emergency department.

You should call an ambulance on 000 if your child’s convulsion:

• Lasts more than five minutes.
• They are non responsive after the convulsion stops.
• They are extremely unwell after the convulsion stops.
• If you are concerned at all you should always seek medical advice via your doctor or in an emergency call 000.

If your child has had a long convulsion they may be observed in hospital for a while. After a convulsion your child may be a little cranky for the first few days. Most children do not have any long-term health problems after febrile convulsions and normally grow out of them by the age of 6.  If your child has repeated convulsions they may need to visit a paediatrician.

We recommend watching this febrile convulsions clip on YouTube.  Studies suggest seeing a medical emergency in a ‘non stressful’ situation, has proven to aid a real life event. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTslWqVY7kw