Febrile convulsion explanation

Question 1

What is a febrile convulsion?

Answer 1

• Seizure caused by a high temperature (fever)
• Most occur with common illnesses such as ear infections and colds
• Typically occur in children between 6 months and 6 years old
• Most seizures last no longer than 5 minutes, but occasionally they may last for longer

Question 2

What should I do if my child has a febrile convulsion?

Answer 2

• Acute
  
  • Note the time it started
  • Lie the child in the recovery position (on their side)
  • Do not put anything in their mouth
  • Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• After
  
  • Try to lower the child’s temperature by removing clothes/opening window
  • Give a glass of water and some paracetamol/ibuprofen to lower fever

Question 3

Complications of febrile convulsions

Answer 3

• Full recovery
  
  • The cause of the seizure may be serious e.g. meningitis
• 1 in 3 children will have a febrile seizure again
• Risk of other children have a febrile seizure is slightly increased
• Risk of developing epilepsy doubles, but is still very small