Infant high fever seizure: what to know

A seizure may cause stiffening, rhythmic jerking, staring, loss of awareness, or unusual limpness. Fever can accompany a seizure, but the temperature does not explain every seizure. The cause may be an infection, a metabolic problem such as hypoglycaemia, or another condition that requires examination.

An infant with fever and a first seizure should be assessed urgently, even if the movements stop and the child appears better. A clinician may need to look for signs of a serious infection such as meningitis. Do not assume that a fever-related seizure is harmless based only on how quickly it ends.

Place the baby on a safe, low surface or the floor, move hard or sharp objects away, and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Turn the baby gently onto the side if possible, keep the airway clear, and watch the breathing. Note when the seizure starts and stops. Stay with the baby and follow the emergency operator's instructions.

Do not restrain the movements, place fingers or objects in the mouth, give food or drink, or try to force medicine while the baby is not fully alert. Once the seizure ends, keep the baby on the side and seek urgent assessment. Do not drive yourself if the baby is still seizing or breathing abnormally.

Call emergency services immediately if the seizure is continuing, breathing is difficult, the baby is blue or grey, the seizure repeats, one side is moving differently, the baby remains unresponsive, or there is a stiff neck, unusual rash, or severe illness. Urgent assessment is also needed for a first seizure, an infant who is very young, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or suspected low blood sugar. Fever medicine may improve comfort but does not replace assessment.

Ask what may have caused the fever, how to measure and record temperature, what to do if another seizure occurs, and which symptoms should bring your baby back immediately. Share the seizure duration, movements, recovery, medicines, and recent illness history.