What should you know about febrile seizures in children?

A child may suddenly become unresponsive, stiffen or jerk while feverish, then be sleepy or unsettled as awareness returns. The clinician will ask about the fever, the child's development and health, the seizure's movements and its duration. A video can help if it is safe to record, but never delay first aid. A fever may come from a common infection, yet the child still needs assessment when the event is new or unusual.

Place the child on the floor or another safe surface, turn them onto their side, remove nearby hazards and note when the seizure starts. Keep the airway unobstructed and stay with them. Do not restrain, shake or cool the child with ice, and do not give anything by mouth during the event. Afterward, check breathing and responsiveness and follow the clinician's advice about the fever.

Call emergency services for breathing trouble, a prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery, a serious injury or persistent unresponsiveness. A stiff neck, non-blanching rash, severe headache, repeated vomiting or a rapidly worsening child also requires urgent evaluation. Meningitis can present with serious symptoms, so do not wait for a seizure to finish if the child is unsafe or deteriorating.

Ask which symptoms of the fever illness matter most, how long to observe recovery, how to respond if movements recur, and whether your family should keep a written seizure plan. Clarify the local emergency number and the safest way to give any prescribed medicine.