Signs of fever seizures: what parents should know

The child may suddenly lose awareness, stare, roll their eyes, or stop responding to your voice. Their arms and legs can tighten and then rhythmically jerk. Some children become floppy, breathe irregularly for a short time, or look pale or bluish around the lips. Sleepiness or confusion after the event is common. A seizure can happen when a fever is rising, even before the temperature has been measured.

A seizure with fever does not automatically identify the infection causing the fever. Viral illnesses such as a common cold, croup, chickenpox, or COVID-19 can all cause fever, so the child needs assessment based on their overall condition.

Place the child on a safe surface on their side, move nearby objects away, and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Note when the movements begin and end. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully alert. Do not place the child in a cold bath. Afterward, stay close and check that breathing returns to its usual pattern.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, breathing remains difficult, movements affect only one side, another seizure follows without recovery, or the child remains unresponsive. Seek prompt medical assessment for a first seizure, a stiff neck, a spreading rash, severe weakness, or a child who is difficult to wake. Bring the recorded duration and tell the clinician about fever symptoms and medicines given.

Ask what may have caused the fever, whether the episode fits a fever seizure, how to respond if it happens again, and which warning signs should take your child to emergency care.