Fever convulsion treatment: what to do

A convulsion can involve stiffening, rhythmic jerking, loss of awareness or unusual unresponsiveness. Fever may accompany an infection, but a seizure should not automatically be attributed to temperature. Clinicians consider the person’s age, medical history, duration and type of movements, recovery, medicines, and possible causes such as meningitis or low blood sugar. Assessment may include checking breathing, blood glucose and signs of infection.

Most brief, fever-associated seizures stop without a long-term seizure medicine. Treatment depends on the event and its cause; a clinician may prescribe a rescue medicine for a person with a known seizure plan. Do not use someone else’s medicine.

Place the person on a safe surface, clear nearby objects, cushion the head, and turn them onto their side when possible. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and time the event. Stay with them and observe breathing. Do not restrain movements, put anything in the mouth, give food or drink, or try to lower the temperature with a cold bath during the seizure. Afterward, keep them resting on their side until fully awake.

Call emergency services if the convulsion lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, causes breathing difficulty, happens in water, or results in a serious injury. Emergency assessment is also needed for a stiff neck, severe headache, persistent vomiting, unusual rash, prolonged confusion, or a person who does not return to their usual state. A first seizure requires prompt medical evaluation even if it stops quickly.

What was the likely cause of the event? Do we need tests or specialist follow-up? Should we have a rescue medicine and written seizure plan? Which fever medicines are suitable, and which warning signs should prompt emergency help?