What should you know about simple febrile seizure?

A child may suddenly stiffen, jerk, stare blankly, or stop responding while they have a fever. Their breathing may look unusual for a short time, followed by tiredness or confusion. The cause of the fever still needs attention. A seizure with a one-sided movement pattern, repeated events, or a longer course does not fit the simple pattern and needs urgent assessment.

Move hard or sharp objects away and place the child on a safe surface. Turn them onto their side if you can do so safely, keep the airway clear, and watch their breathing. Track the start and end time. Never hold the child down, place a spoon or fingers in the mouth, or give fluids during the event. Afterward, seek medical advice, especially if this is the first seizure.

Get emergency help if the seizure does not stop promptly, breathing remains abnormal, the child is hurt, the event repeats, or recovery is not as expected. A severe headache, stiff neck, marked drowsiness, or a non-blanching rash can signal meningitis and requires urgent care. Other causes of seizure-like activity include hypoglycaemia or alcohol withdrawal, so the context matters.

Was this consistent with a simple febrile seizure? What caused the fever? What exact signs should make us call emergency services if it happens again?