What should you know about high temp convulsions?

A convulsion may cause stiffening, rhythmic jerking, staring, loss of awareness, or unusual responsiveness. Fever can trigger a seizure in some children, but a first convulsion should not be assumed to be fever-related without assessment. Other infections and neurological problems can also cause it.

Afterward, the person may be sleepy or confused for a while. Do not put anything in the mouth, restrain the movements, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully awake. A fever medicine may improve comfort but does not reliably prevent another convulsion.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away and cushion the head. Loosen tight clothing around the neck, note the start time, and stay with the person. When the movements stop, place them on their side in the recovery position and check that they are breathing normally.

Call emergency services if it is the first episode, lasts longer than expected, repeats, causes injury, or breathing does not return to normal. If possible, record what happened and the temperature, but do not delay help to take a measurement.

Call emergency services immediately for a convulsion lasting several minutes, repeated convulsions without recovery, breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, serious injury, a stiff neck, a concerning rash, or unusual difficulty waking afterward. Emergency assessment is also needed for an adult with a first seizure or a child who remains unwell.

Do not drive the person if they are still confused, having another convulsion, or not breathing normally. Keep monitoring them while help is on the way.

Ask what may have caused the fever, whether further tests or observation are needed, how to respond if it happens again, and which fever-care instructions fit the person's age and health. Share the duration, movements, recovery, medicines, and any recent infection symptoms.