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Febrile seizures are seizures or convulsions that occur in young children and are triggered by fever. Young children are the most likely to experience febrile seizures; this risk peaks during the second year of life. Febrile convulsions occur in 2 to 5 percent of American children before age 5.1
Most often during a febrile seizure, a child will lose consciousness and both arms and legs will shake uncontrollably. Less common symptoms include eye rolling, rigid (stiff) limbs, or twitching on only one side or a portion of the body, such as an arm or a leg. Sometimes during a febrile seizure, a child may lose consciousness but will not noticeably shake or move.1
The fever may accompany common childhood illnesses such as a cold, the flu, or an ear infection. In some cases, a child may not have a fever at the time of the seizure but will develop one a few hours later. Always seek medical advice in case of fever to receive the appropriate management.1
If a child has a fever, most parents will use fever-lowering drugs to make the child more comfortable. However, available studies show this does not reduce the risk of having another febrile seizure.1
Although the majority of children with febrile seizures do not need medication, children especially prone to febrile seizures may be treated with special medication, when they have a fever. This medication may lower the risk of having another febrile seizure. It is usually well tolerated, although it occasionally can cause drowsiness, a lack of coordination, or hyperactivity. Children vary widely in their susceptibility to such side effects.1
Dr. Rima Khinkarli
M.D. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist
