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    Febrile Convulsions in Children

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    Magdalena Dwiyani Hutajulu
    A febrile convulsion is a seizure that occurs in children between 6 months and 6 years old when they have a fever. The rapid rise in body temperature causes the seizure, not necessarily the height of the fever. During a febrile convulsion, the child may twitch or jerk their arms and legs, have difficulty breathing, or become pale or blue in color. Most seizures last less than two minutes. Parents should ensure the child's safety during the seizure and seek medical help afterwards. Febrile convulsions are frightening but typically cause no long-term harm to the child.

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    Febrile Convulsions in Children

    Uploaded by

    Magdalena Dwiyani Hutajulu
    116 views2 pages
    A febrile convulsion is a seizure that occurs in children between 6 months and 6 years old when they have a fever. The rapid rise in body temperature causes the seizure, not necessarily the height of the fever. During a febrile convulsion, the child may twitch or jerk their arms and legs, have difficulty breathing, or become pale or blue in color. Most seizures last less than two minutes. Parents should ensure the child's safety during the seizure and seek medical help afterwards. Febrile convulsions are frightening but typically cause no long-term harm to the child.

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    A febrile convulsion is a seizure that occurs in children between 6 months and 6 years old when they have a fever. The rapid rise in body temperature causes the seizure, not necessarily the height of the fever. During a febrile convulsion, the child may twitch or jerk their arms and legs, have difficulty breathing, or become pale or blue in color. Most seizures last less than two minutes. Parents should ensure the child's safety during the seizure and seek medical help afterwards. Febrile convulsions are frightening but typically cause no long-term harm to the child.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    116 views2 pages

    Febrile Convulsions in Children

    Uploaded by

    Magdalena Dwiyani Hutajulu
    A febrile convulsion is a seizure that occurs in children between 6 months and 6 years old when they have a fever. The rapid rise in body temperature causes the seizure, not necessarily the height of the fever. During a febrile convulsion, the child may twitch or jerk their arms and legs, have difficulty breathing, or become pale or blue in color. Most seizures last less than two minutes. Parents should ensure the child's safety during the seizure and seek medical help afterwards. Febrile convulsions are frightening but typically cause no long-term harm to the child.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Febrile convulsions in children

    Children

    Emergency department factsheets

    What is a febrile convulsion?

    What are the symptoms?

    A febrile (fever) convulsion is a fit or seizure that occurs in


    children with a fever. The fever may not be obvious before the
    fit, as it usually comes on very quickly. This rapid change in
    temperature causes the seizure, not how high the temperature is.

    A febrile convulsion is very frightening for parents and


    caregivers. The signs and symptoms usually include:

    Most fits last less than two minutes, but can range from a
    few seconds to up to 15 minutes. Your child may be drowsy
    after a fit.

    difficulty breathing and/or foaming at the mouth

    Seizures usually happen in children aged from six months


    to six years of age. Febrile convulsions are very common,
    about one in 20 children will have one.

    loss of consciousness (a blackout)


    twitching or jerking of arms and legs
    going pale or blue in colour
    the eyes rolling back so only the whites are visible.
    Your child may take up to 30 minutes to wake up properly
    afterwards. They may be irritable during this time and appear
    not to recognise you.

    What causes a febrile convulsion?


    Febrile convulsions happen when there is a sudden change
    in body temperature. The cause of the fever is usually a viral
    illness. Trying to treat the fever (such as by giving paracetamol)
    will not prevent a febrile convulsion.

    What should I do if my child has a fit?

    Febrile convulsions tend to run in families, although the reason


    for this is not known.

    Ensure your child is safe by placing them on


    the floor and removing any objects that could
    injure them.

    What is fever?
    Fever is the bodys normal response to an infection and is
    usually harmless. For a child, this occurs when the body
    temperature reaches above 38C.

    Stay calm and do not panic.


    Do not force or put anything into the childs
    mouth, including your fingers.

    Note the time the fit started and stopped, to tell


    the doctor.
    Once the fit has stopped place your child on their
    side and make them comfortable.

    If your child has a fever:


    keep them cool by not overdressing them or having
    their room too hot
    fanning or tepid sponging/bathing is not recommended for
    children with a fever as it may cause shivering and distress
    give them plenty to drink (it is best to give small frequent
    drinks, or sips, of water)
    give paracetamol (such as Panadol or Dymadon) or
    ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) if your child has pain or is
    miserable
    carefully check the label for the correct dose and make sure
    you are not giving your child any other products containing
    paracetamol or ibuprofen (such as some cough medicines
    and cold and flu preparations).
    Paracetamol or ibuprofen do not prevent febrile convulsions.

    Do not shake or slap your child to wake them.


    Do not restrain your child.
    Take your child to your local doctor, health care
    professional or emergency department as soon
    as possible.
    If you are very worried call an ambulance (dial 000).

    Febrile convulsions in children


    Children

    Emergency department factsheets

    What to expect

    Seeking help

    Children suffer no pain or discomfort during a fit.


    A febrile convulsion is not epilepsy. No regular
    medication is needed.
    A short fit will not cause brain damage. Even a long
    fit almost never causes harm.
    Children who have febrile convulsions normally grow
    up healthy and do not have any permanent damage
    from seizures.
    One in three babies and children who have had one febrile
    convulsion will have another. There is no way of predicting
    who will be affected or when this will happen.
    Children usually have fewer seizures as they get older,
    and most seizures stop completely by the age of six.
    Notes:

    In a medical emergency go to the nearest


    hospital emergency department or call an
    ambulance (dial 000).
    For other medical problems see your local
    doctor or health-care professional.
    For health advice from a Registered Nurse you
    can call NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a
    day on 1300 60 60 24 for the cost of a local
    call from anywhere in Victoria.*
    NURSE-ON-CALL provides access to
    interpreting services for callers not confident
    with English. Call 1300 60 60 24.
    *Calls from mobile calls may be charged at a higher rate

    Want to know more?


    Ask your local doctor or health care professional
    Visit the Royal Childrens Hospital website
    www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo
    Visit the Better Health Channel
    www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

    If you would like to receive this publication in an accessible format,


    please phone 9096 0578 or email edfactsheets@health.vic.gov.au
    December 2010. Also available online at www.health.vic.gov.au/edfactsheets
    Disclaimer: This health information is for general education purposes only. Please consult
    with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you.

    Authorised by the
    Victorian Government
    Melbourne (1009025)

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