Febrile seizure prevention: practical guidance

A febrile seizure can happen when a child’s temperature rises during an infection. It is not caused by poor parenting, and keeping a child’s temperature normal does not reliably stop one. Fever-reducing medicine may improve comfort, but it should be used only as directed for the child’s age and weight.

The most useful preparation is knowing the child’s usual illness signs, keeping a thermometer available, and asking a clinician for a written seizure plan if an episode has happened before. Vaccination protects against infections that can cause serious illness, although it cannot prevent every fever or seizure.

Offer fluids regularly when the child is awake, use light clothing, and follow medical advice for discomfort. Do not use cold baths or rubbing alcohol to lower temperature. During a seizure, place the child on a safe surface away from hard or sharp objects, protect the head, and turn them onto their side when possible. Time the movements and observe breathing.

Never restrain the child or put a spoon, fingers, or medicine in the mouth. Once the seizure ends, let the child rest while you monitor responsiveness. Share the duration and description with the healthcare team.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts five minutes, happens again before the child recovers, affects breathing, occurs in water, or causes injury. Obtain urgent assessment for a first seizure, a child who remains unusually sleepy or confused, a stiff neck, severe headache, breathing difficulty, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. These signs need assessment for serious infection, including meningitis.

Ask which fever medicines are suitable, how to measure the dose, and whether your child needs an emergency medicine plan. Discuss vaccination, hydration during illness, and which changes should prompt same-day review. If low blood sugar is a concern during illness, ask how Hypoglycaemia is recognised and managed.