What should you know about febrile seizure and low temperature?

Febrile seizures are linked with fever, so a low reading, a temperature measured after cooling, or a faulty thermometer can make the situation difficult to interpret. Other problems can also cause a seizure, including low blood sugar or a serious infection. Clinicians will consider the child's appearance, breathing, blood sugar when indicated, recent illness, medicines and recovery rather than relying on one temperature reading.

Protect the child during the seizure: place them on their side, clear the surrounding area, cushion the head and time the movements. Do not force the mouth open, give fluids, or use cold water or vigorous rubbing. Check the temperature with a reliable device when safe, note how it was measured, and seek medical advice promptly after the event, especially if the reading remains low or the child seems unwell.

Call emergency services if the child has breathing difficulty, is blue or very pale, cannot be woken, has another seizure before recovering, or is injured. A low temperature with unusual sleepiness, confusion, cold skin, stiff neck, rash or repeated vomiting also warrants urgent assessment. Meningitis and hypoglycaemia are examples of conditions clinicians may need to consider.

Ask whether the event meets the definition of a febrile seizure, whether blood sugar or other tests are needed, how to measure temperature reliably, and which changes require immediate help. Bring the thermometer reading, timing and recovery details to the review.