Fever and seizure: what should you know?

During a seizure, the person may become unresponsive, stiffen, jerk, stare, or lose awareness. Fever can accompany a seizure, particularly in children, but fever does not establish the cause. Other possibilities include Meningitis, low blood sugar from Hypoglycaemia, medication effects, alcohol withdrawal, or an existing neurological condition. The person needs assessment to distinguish these possibilities.

Note the start and end time, body movements, breathing, skin colour, temperature, recent illness, medicines, and recovery. Do not put anything in the mouth and do not try to restrain movements.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away. Cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and turn the person onto their side when the movements stop or if possible without force. Stay with them and check breathing afterward. Do not offer food, drink, or medicine until they are fully alert. Call emergency services if the seizure continues, repeats without recovery, breathing is abnormal, or injury occurs.

Get emergency help for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than expected, repeated seizures, difficulty breathing, persistent unresponsiveness, a stiff neck, severe headache, a spreading rash, or marked confusion. Infants, pregnant people, and anyone with diabetes or a weakened immune system need prompt assessment after a seizure with fever.

Ask what may have triggered the event, whether tests are needed, how to manage future fever, and which warning signs require an ambulance. Share the timing, observed movements, medicines, medical history, and any video recorded safely by another person.