High temperature seizure: what to know

A high temperature can occur with an infection, while a seizure is a sudden period of unusual electrical activity in the brain. Fever-associated seizures are more often discussed in young children, but a seizure during a fever in an adult or older child should not be assumed to have a simple cause. Other possibilities include low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, medication effects, or an infection affecting the brain. Meningitis is one serious condition that can present with fever and seizures.

During a seizure, the person may stiffen, jerk, lose awareness, stare, or become confused afterwards. The episode may look dramatic, but the safest response is to protect the head and keep the airway clear without restraining movements.

Move nearby hard or sharp objects away, cushion the head, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and note when the seizure starts. Do not put anything in the mouth, give food or drink, or try to hold the person still. When the jerking stops, place them on their side if they are breathing normally and stay with them until alert. Do not give fever medicine during the seizure; swallowing may be unsafe. If possible, record the temperature and describe the movements, breathing, skin colour, and recovery to the clinician.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without full recovery, causes breathing difficulty, follows an injury, happens in water, or occurs in someone who is pregnant or has diabetes. Seek urgent assessment for a first seizure, a stiff neck, severe headache, a new rash, marked drowsiness, weakness, or confusion that does not settle. A clinician should assess the cause even when the person seems well afterwards, particularly if the fever has no clear source.

Ask what may have caused the fever and seizure, whether tests are needed, how to respond if it happens again, and which symptoms should prompt emergency help. Bring a list of medicines, recent illnesses, alcohol use, and any account or recording of the episode.