Febrile seizures are one of the most common neurological conditions in young children, typically affecting those between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. While the sight of your child having a seizure can be alarming, febrile seizures are usually harmless and do not lead to long-term health problems. However, parents need to understand what febrile seizures are, their causes, and when to seek help.
What Are Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures occur when a child experiences a seizure due to a sudden spike in body temperature, often caused by a fever. These seizures are more common in younger children, particularly those under the age of 5. Febrile seizures can vary in severity, but most are brief and do not cause lasting harm. There are two types of febrile seizures:
- Simple Febrile Seizures: These are the most common and typically last less than 15 minutes. They usually involve jerking or twitching movements on both sides of the body.
- Complex Febrile Seizures: Less common, these seizures last longer than 15 minutes or occur more than once within 24 hours.
Though febrile seizures can be frightening to witness, they rarely lead to long-term neurological problems. Knowing how to respond and when to seek medical help is crucial.
What Causes Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures are typically triggered by an abrupt increase in body temperature, most often due to fever caused by an infection. Common causes include:
- Viral infections: Such as colds, flu, or roseola.
- Bacterial infections: Including ear infections or pneumonia.
- Immunisations: In some rare cases, febrile seizures may occur after vaccinations, though this is usually harmless.
Although the exact reason why a rapid rise in temperature triggers a seizure in some children is not fully understood, it’s believed that certain children may be more predisposed to febrile seizures due to factors like genetics.
Signs and Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures typically happen suddenly, and the signs can include:
- Jerking or twitching movements of the arms, legs, or entire body
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Rolling of the eyes
- Clenched fists or stiffened body
- Difficulty breathing (though this is rare)
The seizure usually lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. Afterwards, your child may feel tired, confused, or irritable but will generally recover without any lasting effects.
How to Respond During a Febrile Seizure
If your child experiences a febrile seizure, it’s important to stay calm and take the following steps:
- Stay with your child: Gently lay them on the floor or a soft surface, and keep them away from sharp objects or anything they could hurt themselves on.
- Time of the seizure: Most febrile seizures are short and will end within a few minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, seek emergency medical help.
- Keep your child safe: Do not try to restrain their movements or put anything in their mouth. This can cause injury.
- Check for breathing: After the seizure ends, check to see if your child is breathing normally. If not, or if they are unresponsive, seek emergency medical attention.
- Visit a paediatric neurologist: If your child has a febrile seizure for the first time or has a history of seizures, it’s important to consult with a paediatric neurologist for further evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While most febrile seizures don’t require long-term treatment or intervention, there are certain circumstances where you should seek medical help:
- First seizure: If it’s your child’s first febrile seizure, it’s important to consult a paediatric neurologist to ensure no underlying conditions.
- A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes: If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately.
- Frequent seizures: If your child experiences multiple seizures within 24 hours, you should seek medical advice from a specialist.
- Worsening or unusual symptoms: If your child has persistent vomiting, a high fever that doesn’t subside, or exhibits abnormal behaviour after the seizure, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
Preventing Febrile Seizures
While febrile seizures cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Monitor your child’s temperature: If your child has a fever, check their temperature regularly. Using fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help keep the fever under control. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully and consult with your paediatrician for advice.
- Dress your child appropriately: Avoid overheating by dressing your child in light clothing and keeping their room cool.
- Ensure proper hydration: Dehydration can make a fever worse, so make sure your child is drinking enough fluids.
- Consult your doctor if the fever is very high or persistent: If your child’s fever is unusually high or lasts for several days, seek medical attention.
- Vaccination: There is no specific vaccine to prevent febrile seizures, as febrile seizures are usually triggered by a sudden spike in fever, often due to common viral infections or post-vaccine reactions in young children. However, some vaccinations can reduce the risk of infections that may lead to fever and, subsequently, febrile seizures
Conclusion
Febrile seizures are common in young children, and while they are usually harmless, parents need to understand what they are and how to manage them. If your child experiences a febrile seizure, staying calm, timing the seizure, and seeking medical advice are key steps in ensuring their well-being. If your child has experienced a febrile seizure or you have concerns about their neurological health, visiting Aster MIMS Calicut, the best paediatric neurology hospital in Calicut is an excellent step for expert care and peace of mind.
By understanding febrile seizures and knowing when to seek expert help, you can confidently care for your child and ensure they get the best possible care when needed.
