Fever seizure: what to do

During a fever seizure, protect the person from injury, time the episode, and seek emergency help for prolonged or unsafe symptoms. A person may stiffen, jerk, stare, lose awareness, or be confused afterward. Fever can accompany an infection, but the seizure's appearance and recovery are more useful than a temperature reading alone.

A seizure with fever may occur during an illness, but other causes need consideration. Low blood glucose, alcohol-related withdrawal or intoxication, and meningitis can also be associated with seizures or altered awareness. A first episode should be assessed promptly, even if the movements stop and the person appears comfortable. Record symptoms before and after the event to help the healthcare team.

Move sharp or heavy objects away and cushion the head with something soft. Do not hold the person down or place fingers, a spoon, or medicine in the mouth. Do not give food, drink, or tablets until full alertness returns. Turn them onto their side when practical, loosen tight clothing, and check breathing once the jerking stops. Note the start and end time and stay nearby.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues beyond a few minutes, happens again before recovery, causes breathing problems or serious injury, or the person does not wake normally. Urgent assessment is also needed with a stiff neck, severe headache, persistent vomiting, unusual rash, one-sided weakness, or ongoing confusion. Do not drive an unwell person yourself if emergency symptoms are present.

Ask whether the illness needs testing, how to recognise another seizure, when to use a prescribed rescue medicine, and what temperature-measuring method to use. Share known medical conditions, recent medicines or substances, the seizure duration, breathing changes, injuries, and the person's recovery.