We know that seeing a febrile convulsion can be frightening. However, it’s crucial to understand that febrile convulsions are typically not as serious as they seem.
What is Febrile Seizure?
Febrile convulsions are prevalent in children aged 6 months to 6 years, affecting about 1 in every 30 children.
During a simple febrile seizure, which usually lasts less than 5 minutes, the child’s body may become rigid, followed by rhythmic jerking of all four limbs. This unsettling event can be alarming for parents and caregivers. After the seizure, the child may appear drowsy or disoriented but typically regains their normal state within a few hours, returning to their playful and energetic selves.
What Causes Febrile Seizure?
Any illness that induces a fever, such as a flu or other viral infections, has the potential to trigger a febrile seizure in young children. These seizures typically occur on the very first day of the fever, regardless of how high the temperature may rise. It is crucial to understand that methods like sponging the child with cool water or using a fan might not be the ideal approaches to managing their body heat. In fact, such practices can lead to blood vessel constriction, which may paradoxically cause the body temperature to rise even higher.
Febrile Seizure is Epilepsy?
Anti-seizure medications are typically unnecessary for the prevention of future febrile seizures in children. Research indicates that about 30% of children who experience febrile seizures may encounter additional seizures during subsequent episodes of fever. However, it’s reassuring to know that the risk of experiencing further seizures diminishes significantly after the age of 3, as children’s neurological systems continue to mature.
Understanding the distinction is crucial: febrile seizures are not classified as epilepsy. In fact, the vast majority of children who undergo febrile seizures will not have any further seizures by the time they reach school age, illustrating a hopeful outlook for families navigating this challenging experience.
What to do if your Child has another Febrile Seizure?
In event of a seizure, please follow these instructions:
- Place your child on his/ her side on a soft surface with face turned to one side. This will prevent your child from swallowing any vomit and keep their airway protected.
- Stay with your child and note down the time the seizure starts and stops.
- Do not put anything into your child’s mouth.
- If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, seek immediate medical help by calling 995 for an ambulance.
- If the seizure lasts less than 5 minutes, please seek medical advice if you are concerned.
- If the hospital has provided you with rescue medicine (Rectal Diazepam) and the convulsion continues for more than 5 minutes, administer the medicine as instructed on the label. This should stop the convulsion within 5 minutes. If it does not stop, or if you have any concerns, please seek immediate medical assistance by calling 995 for an ambulance.
When shall I see a Paediatric Neurologist?
- Recurrent Febrile Seizures
- Children who are < 6 months or > 6 years of age
- Febrile Status Epilepticus (prolonged seizure > 5mins)
- Febrile Seizures with Focal features
- Febrile Seizures that are not tonic-clonic
- Developmental Delay or Regression or Plateau
- Developed seizures without fever
(Reference: New Zealand Epilepsy: Guidelines & Pathways for Children and Young People, 2023)
For more information about Seizures or Epilepsy, please click Seizure & Epilepsy
If you have any further questions, you can schedule an appointment today with Dr Yeo.
