Febrile Seizure In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A febrile seizure is a convulsion (uncontrolled shaking) caused by a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

If your child has another seizure:

• Do not panic.
  
  
• Make sure your child’s clothing is loose around the neck.
  
  
• Place your child on his side to help prevent him from swallowing saliva (spit) or vomit.
  
  
• Do not give your child any medicines or liquids by mouth during the seizure.
  
  
• Time the length of the seizure.

Medicines:

• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are medicines you can get without a doctor's order. They may decrease your child's fever.
  
  
• Give your child’s medicine as directed: Call your caregiver if you think your child’s medicine is not helping or if he has side effects. Tell your caregiver if your child is taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines your child takes. Include the amounts, and when and why he takes them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Aspirin may cause a very serious illness called Reye syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits. Febrile seizure is usually not harmful and has no long-term effects.

Call your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child's fever does not go down even after you have given him fever medicine.
  
  
• Your child has diarrhea (loose bowel movement) or is vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child’s medicine or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child is not responding after the seizure.
  
  
• Your child’s seizure lasts more than five minutes.
  
  
• Your child has more than one seizure before he is fully awake or aware.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

Learn more about Febrile Seizure In Children (Discharge Care)