Seizures (children with fever), Febrile seizures
Fits, known as febrile seizures, can occur when a kid has a fever. Between six months and three years, they occur most often.
However, febrile seizures are generally mild, only last a few minutes, and don’t usually signify a significant medical issue.
Types and symptoms of febrile seizers
A youngster suffering a febrile seizure often shakes violently and falls unconscious. The child may occasionally become stiff or twitch only in that particular body area. Most often begin within a day after a fever. Febrile seizures might be a child’s first indicator of illness.
When suffering a febrile seizure, a kid might:
- Fever more than 100.4 F (38.0 C)
- Get unconscious
- Jerk or shake the arms and legs
Simple or complicated febrile seizures are categorized as follows:
- Straightforward febrile seizures The typical duration of this kind range from a few seconds to 15 minutes. Simple febrile seizures don’t come back within a day and don’t affect only one portion of the body.
- Febrile seizures of complexity. This kind affects only one side of your child’s body, lasts longer than 15 minutes, or happens more than once in 24 hours.
Causes for febrile seizures
High body temperatures typically bring on many febrile seizures. Even a low-grade fever can bring on a febrile seizure.
Infection
Viral infections are more frequently to blame for the fevers that result in febrile seizures than bacterial infections. The two viruses that usually cause high fevers and the flu (influenza) and roseola appear most frequently linked to febrile seizures.
Vaccination-related seizures
Some children’s vaccines may raise the risk of febrile seizures. These include the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. After receiving a vaccine, a kid may experience a low-grade fever.
When to seek the doctor?
Once your kid experiences their first febrile seizure, even if it lasts a few seconds, take them to the doctor as soon as possible. If the episode lasts more than five minutes or is accompanied by:
- Vomiting
- A tight neck
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive drowsiness
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022