Febrile Convulsion

Febrile convulsions are usually caused by high fever. Fever itself can occur for a variety of reasons, such as various infections (e.g. viral infections, influenza, chickenpox) or vaccinations. These seizures are thought to develop as the child’s response to a rapid rise in body temperature, but the exact mechanism is not known.

Symptoms

Febrile convulsions are usually characterized by the following symptoms:

Trembling or jerking of the body

Loss of consciousness

Rolling back of the eyes

Temporary respiratory arrest

These seizures usually last a few minutes and end spontaneously. After the seizure has passed, the child may be sleepy or confused.

Types

Febrile convulsions fall into two main categories:

Simple Febrile Convulsions: This type is the most common form. Seizures usually last less than 15 minutes, do not recur within 24 hours and do not affect only one side of the body.

Complex Febrile Convulsions: These seizures last longer than 15 minutes, can recur within 24 hours and may affect a specific part of the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Febrile convulsions are typically diagnosed based on the characteristics of the seizure and the presence of fever. In most cases, no special treatment is required. However, it is important to treat the underlying cause of the fever. Families are given information on how to manage fever in their child and how to act to potentially prevent seizures.

Prevention and Management

To reduce the risk of febrile convulsions, it is important to keep the child’s temperature under control. Antipyretics and cold compresses can be used. Parents and caregivers should be informed about how to respond to a child with febrile convulsions: to lay the child on its side, keep the airway open and keep the child away from objects that could harm the child during a seizure.

Children who have febrile convulsions usually develop normally later in life and do not have long-term negative effects. However, in case of complex febrile convulsions or recurrence of seizures, it is important to consult a pediatric neurologist.