• 2 days ago

Sudden High Fever and Seizure Risk in Children: What Should Parents Do?

What Is a Febrile Seizure?

A febrile seizure is a temporary neurological event triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature—typically in children between 6 months and 5 years old. It usually occurs during the early phase of a fever, often above 38°C (100.4°F), when the nervous system becomes overstimulated by the heat.

Not all high fevers cause seizures, but some children are more prone to febrile responses.

Who Is at Risk for Febrile Seizures?

  • Children aged 6 months to 5 years
  • Children with a family history of febrile seizures
  • Those who have had a previous febrile seizure
  • Children with a sudden spike in temperature

What Are the Symptoms of a Febrile Seizure?

  • Fever rises above 38°C (100.4°F) suddenly
  • Temporary loss of consciousness
  • Eye rolling upward
  • Jerking or stiffening of the body (generalized or one-sided)
  • Blue lips or pale skin
  • Irregular or paused breathing
  • Seizure duration usually lasts 1–2 minutes (rarely up to 15 minutes)

After a seizure, the child may be drowsy or confused. This is called the postictal phase and usually resolves on its own.

Types of Febrile Seizures

Simple Febrile Seizure

  • Lasts less than 15 minutes
  • Occurs only once in 24 hours
  • Generalized body movements
  • No long-term effects on brain development

Complex Febrile Seizure

  • Lasts more than 15 minutes
     
  • May occur multiple times in 24 hours
     
  • Affects only one side of the body
     
  • Requires neurological follow-up

What Should Parents Do During a Febrile Seizure?

What to DO:

  • Lay your child on their side on a safe, flat surface
  • Clear the area of sharp or hard objects
  • Do NOT put anything in the child’s mouth
  • Loosen clothing, keep the head neutral
  • Time the seizure—if it exceeds 2–3 minutes, call emergency services
  • Monitor breathing and responsiveness after the seizure ends

What NOT to Do:

  • Do not shake or slap the child
  • Do not place in cold water or apply ice
  • Do not try to give medicine during the seizure
  • Do not try to restrain stiff movements

What to Do After the Seizure Ends

  • Contact your pediatrician immediately, especially after a first seizure
  • The doctor may order blood, urine, or imaging tests
  • Follow-up with a neurologist may be recommended in complex cases
  • For recurring seizures, parents may be trained in fever management and seizure prevention strategies

How to Manage Fever in Children

  • Monitor temperature regularly; act before it climbs too high
  • Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as advised by your doctor
  • Avoid overdressing or overheating the child
  • Encourage fluid intake and ventilate the room
  • Give lukewarm baths or sponge wipes to reduce temperature

Do Febrile Seizures Cause Epilepsy?

  • Simple febrile seizures do not cause epilepsy or affect brain function
  • Complex seizures may require evaluation, but only a small percentage develop epilepsy
  • Over 90% of children who experience febrile seizures have no long-term complications