TLDR: Febrile seizures, triggered by a rapid rise in fever in young children, are usually benign; keep the child safe, do not put anything in their mouth, note the duration, and then seek medical advice.
A reaction of the immature brain to fever
Febrile seizures occur in young children, most often between six months and five years of age, during a fever. The brain, which is still immature, reacts to the rapid rise in temperature with a surge of electrical activity that causes convulsions. They are unrelated to epilepsy and do not mean that the child will develop epilepsy. They are common, affecting a significant number of children, and in the vast majority of cases, they are not serious.
What does a febrile seizure look like?
The scene is alarming for parents. The child loses contact with his or her surroundings, the gaze freezes or drifts to the side, the body stiffens, and then rhythmic movements of the arms and legs begin. The child may turn pale, take on a slight bluish tint, and stop responding. The seizure usually lasts less than five minutes, after which the child becomes drowsy and gradually regains consciousness. It is this short, symmetrical form that is referred to as “simple,” as opposed to prolonged forms.
The Right Things to Do During the Crisis
The first thing to do is stay calm and protect the child. Lay the child on their side in the recovery position to prevent them from swallowing their saliva. Remove any hard objects, loosen their clothing, and note the time the seizure began. Do not put anything in their mouth, do not try to restrain their movements, and do not give them anything to drink. Simply observe the duration and nature of the seizure, as this information will be helpful to the doctor.
What to Avoid Out of Fear of Doing Something Wrong
Several actions, driven by panic, can be dangerous. Putting a finger or an object in the child’s mouth to «prevent them from swallowing their tongue» could injure the child. Shaking the child, submerging them in cold water, or trying to restrain them by force does not help. Similarly, do not try to bring down a fever abruptly using aggressive methods: remove a layer of clothing and wait for medical advice on treatment.
When to Call Emergency Services Immediately
Most febrile seizures resolve on their own. However, you should call for emergency help if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if it recurs, if the child does not regain consciousness normally, if the child has difficulty breathing, or if the child is younger than six months. In Algeria, contact Civil Protection at 14 or SAMU at 115. After any first seizure, medical attention is necessary to determine the cause of the fever.
A pediatric home visit to reassure the patient and determine the cause
After the crisis, identifying the cause of the fever is essential. MaghAssist offers a service in Algiers and throughout Algeria that pediatrician who makes house calls to examine the child, explain what to do, and reassure the parents. For assistance or advice, the team can be reached via WhatsApp at +213 550 45 33 99.
For more information, you can read about when to worry about the baby's fever, that is When to Call a Pediatrician at Night in Algiers, and get back to the basics of the Childhood Vaccination Schedule in Algeria.
Frequently asked questions
Are febrile seizures dangerous?
In its simple, short-lived form, it is almost always benign and leaves no lasting effects. The risk stems mainly from prolonged or repeated episodes, which warrant calling for emergency assistance.
Will my child develop epilepsy?
No, in the vast majority of cases. A febrile seizure is not epilepsy. The risk of developing epilepsy later on remains very low after a simple febrile seizure.
Should medication be given during a seizure?
Do not give anything by mouth during the seizure. The doctor will decide on treatment for the fever and any specific treatment after examining the child.
How can you prevent another febrile seizure?
Monitor the fever, keep the child hydrated, and treat any discomfort as directed by a doctor. Lowering a fever does not always prevent a seizure, but it does make the child more comfortable.
Sources
- Health Insurance (ameli.fr), «Fever in Children.».
- Health Insurance (ameli.fr), «Your Child Has a Fever: What to Do and When to See a Doctor.».
- World Health Organization (WHO), «Epilepsy.».
General information; not a substitute for medical advice.
