What should you know about fires febrile seizures?

A febrile seizure is a seizure linked with a fever, usually during an infection. The child may stiffen, jerk, lose awareness, roll their eyes, or become sleepy afterwards. Fever can accompany illnesses such as influenza, but the seizure itself does not identify the infection. Most episodes stop on their own, yet a first seizure needs medical assessment because other causes of altered awareness must be considered.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away and cushion the child's head. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not restrain the movements, put anything in the mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until the child is fully awake. Time the seizure from its start. When the movements stop, place the child on their side and watch their breathing. If safe, note what the movements looked like so you can describe them to the clinician.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts five minutes or more, repeats without the child recovering, affects breathing, causes a serious injury, or occurs with a stiff neck, unusual rash, or marked difficulty waking. Seek urgent assessment for a first seizure, a child who remains unusually drowsy, or fever in a very young infant. Fever care should follow professional advice; never cool a seizing child with cold water.

Ask what infection may be causing the fever, how to record another episode, which medicine plan is appropriate, and when the child should be reviewed again.