What should you know about simple febrile convulsions?

During a febrile convulsion, a child may stiffen, jerk, become unresponsive, or roll their eyes while fever is present. The child may be sleepy or confused afterwards. The event can be frightening, but the seizure itself usually stops without treatment. Fever may come from an illness such as influenza or another infection; the convulsion is a response associated with the fever, not the same thing as the infection.

Place the child on the floor or another safe surface, clear nearby objects, and turn them onto their side when possible. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and observe the child’s breathing. Do not restrain the movements, put anything in the mouth, or offer food, drink, or medicine until the child is fully alert. Note when the event begins and ends, then arrange medical advice after a first seizure.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues, breathing is difficult, the child is injured, the movements affect only one side, another seizure follows, or the child does not recover as expected. Urgent assessment is also needed when there is a stiff neck, unusual rash, severe illness, or concern about meningitis. A child with fever should be assessed after a first convulsion.

What caused the fever? How should I respond if another convulsion occurs? Does my child need tests, a written emergency plan, or follow-up with a child health clinician?