Advice: Febrile Seizure

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Febrile Seizure

Febrile Seizure basics

A febrile seizure is a type of seizure that is associated with fever. Febrile seizures are most common in the first few hours of illness and when fevers spike very quickly.
Febrile seizures typically occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years of age. Most occur in children without a history of seizures.
Symptoms of typical febrile seizures include loss of responsiveness, staring or eyes rolled back, stiffening, jerking, or twitching movements of extremities. Seizures are often followed by a short period of confusion or sleepiness.
Febrile seizures are scary for parents but they are typically harmless to the child. They do not damage the brain.
Febrile seizures tend to run in families.
Children with a history of a febrile seizure have a higher risk of having another febrile seizure, but do not have a significantly increased risk of developing epilepsy or other seizure disorders compared with other children.

Treatment

Control fever with Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (if older than 6 months). Acetaminophen may be used every 4 hours (up to 4 times/day) and ibuprofen may be used every 6 hours. These medications may be alternated or used together.
If your child has a seizure:
Call 911
Place them on the floor away from any hard or dangerous objects
Turn their head to the side so saliva or vomit can drain away from their mouth
Do not put anything in their mouth
If you have the presence of mind, start a timer or take a video - this can be helpful for your provider

When to seek care

When to go to the Emergency Departent

If your child has a seizure that lasts longer than 5 min or does not return to their baseline after a seizure
If your child has multiple seizures within 24 hours
If you notice any color changes in your child such as blue lips call 911
If your child is not using arms, legs or other body parts normally
If you are worried

Additional Resrouces

Potomac Pediatrics will always be fully focused on helping your child and you to overcome any healthcare hurdle, with innovative, comprehensive and compassionate care.