What causes febrile seizures?

The fever itself is usually a sign that the immune system is responding to an infection. Viral illnesses, including Influenza, can trigger the temperature change. A seizure may involve stiffening, jerking, loss of awareness, or unusual eye movements. It can be frightening, but a brief febrile seizure does not automatically mean epilepsy or lasting brain injury.

Place the child on a safe surface on their side, move nearby objects away, and loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not hold them down and do not put food, drink, or anything else in their mouth. Observe when the seizure starts and ends. Afterward, let the child rest and arrange medical advice, especially if this is the first episode.

Call emergency services if the seizure continues, repeats without the child recovering, affects only one part of the body, or the child has trouble breathing. Seek urgent help if the child remains unusually sleepy, has a stiff neck, a concerning rash, or appears severely ill. A first seizure should be medically assessed even when it stops quickly.

Ask what may have caused the fever, how to respond if another seizure occurs, and whether the child needs examination or follow-up. Mention the child’s age, temperature, seizure movements, duration, recovery, and any medicines given.