What should you know about pediatric fever seizures?

During a seizure, a child may become stiff, jerk rhythmically, lose awareness, or be sleepy afterward. Fever can occur with common infections such as a cold, croup, chickenpox, bronchiolitis, or other illnesses. The seizure itself does not show which infection is responsible. A clinician considers the child’s age, examination, seizure pattern, temperature, recovery, and other symptoms.

Most seizure-like events need careful observation rather than attempts to restrain the child. Do not put anything in the mouth, give food or drink during the event, or try to cool the child with ice or cold water. Protect the head and move nearby hard objects away.

Place the child on a safe surface on their side if possible, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and note when the movements start. Stay with the child and watch their breathing. When the seizure stops, keep the child on their side and seek medical advice, particularly after a first episode. Fever medicine may improve comfort but does not reliably prevent another seizure; use it only as directed for the child.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues, repeats without full recovery, affects breathing, happens in water, causes a serious injury, or the child remains unresponsive. Urgent help is also needed for a stiff neck, a purple or non-blanching rash, severe breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, unusual drowsiness, or signs of dehydration. A first seizure with fever should be assessed even if the child recovers quickly.

Ask what may have caused the fever, whether the event fits a fever seizure, how to respond if it happens again, how to use fever medicines safely, and which signs require an ambulance.