Febrile Seizure in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
A febrile seizure is a convulsion (uncontrolled shaking) caused by a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. A fever caused by any reason can bring on a febrile seizure in children. Febrile seizures can be simple or complex. A simple febrile seizure lasts less than 15 minutes and does not happen again within 24 hours. A complex febrile seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes or may happen again within 24 hours. Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage or other long-term health problems.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call 911 for any of the following:
- Your child stops breathing, turns blue, or you cannot feel his or her pulse.
- Your child cannot be woken after his or her seizure.
- Your child's seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
- Your child has more than 1 seizure before he or she is fully awake or aware.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child's fever does not improve after you give him or her medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- Your child's fever does not improve after you give him or her medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
If your child has another seizure:
- Do not panic.
- Note the start time of the seizure. Record how long it lasts.
- Gently guide your child to the floor or a soft surface. Remove sharp or hard objects from the area surrounding your child, or cushion his or her head.
- Place your child on his or her side to help prevent him or her from swallowing saliva or vomit.
- Remove any objects from your child's mouth. Do not put anything in your child's mouth. This may prevent him or her from breathing.
- Perform CPR if your child stops breathing or you cannot feel his or her pulse.
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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