Febrile convulsion temperature

The seizure may happen as the temperature rises, rather than only after a particular thermometer reading. The speed of the change, the child's individual susceptibility, and the illness causing the fever may all matter. A normal reading after the event does not erase what happened, especially if medicine or cooling has already been given. Temperature is useful information, but the child's alertness, breathing, seizure pattern, and recovery are equally important.

Time the seizure and keep the child away from hard or sharp objects. Turn them onto their side if you can do so safely, and watch their breathing. Do not force medicine, food, or drink, and do not use cold water or physically restrain the child. After recovery, measure the temperature if the child can tolerate it and record the reading, symptoms, and medicines given for the clinician.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts beyond five minutes, happens again before the child recovers, affects one side, or causes ongoing breathing problems. Seek immediate assessment if the child remains unusually sleepy, has a stiff neck or unusual rash, or appears seriously ill. A first seizure should be assessed even when the fever seems modest.

Ask how to measure temperature accurately, whether fever medicine is suitable, what to do if another seizure occurs, and which symptoms suggest meningitis or another urgent cause.