What causes a febrile convulsion?

The child may stiffen, jerk, lose awareness or become briefly unresponsive while fever is present. The event can be frightening, but many children recover quickly. A clinician still needs to assess the illness causing the fever and decide whether the episode fits a febrile pattern. Seizures can also have other causes, including low blood sugar, medication or substance withdrawal, or infection affecting the brain and its coverings.

Place the child on a safe surface on their side, move nearby objects away, loosen tight clothing and observe the start time. Do not restrain the movements, place anything in the mouth, or give food, drink or medicine until the child is fully alert. Stay with the child and note breathing, colour and which parts of the body moved. Afterward, arrange medical advice, especially if this is the first episode.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues, breathing is difficult, the child does not wake normally, the movements affect one side, or another seizure follows soon after. Urgent assessment is also needed for a stiff neck, severe headache, unusual rash, marked drowsiness or concern about meningitis. Never drive while the child is actively convulsing.

Ask what infection may be causing the fever, how to manage future fevers, whether a rescue plan is needed, and which changes should prompt emergency help. Share the episode length and a description or video if safely recorded.