Febrile seizures, or "Fieberkrampf" in German, are one of the most common emergencies in early childhood. Many parents are understandably alarmed when their child experiences a febrile seizure. However, it’s important to know that, in most cases, these seizures are harmless and do not lead to any long-term health issues. Here’s a guide to understanding and managing febrile seizures in children.
1. Understanding Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are convulsions related to fever and are age-specific, originating from the child’s brain. They are typically triggered by viral or bacterial infections that cause fever. Around 2 to 5 percent of children will experience a febrile seizure at some point. While the exact cause remains unclear, genetic factors are believed to play a role.
Febrile seizures most commonly occur between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, peaking around 18 months. Apart from the infection and the febrile seizure, children who experience these are generally healthy.
2. Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures can present in various ways, often including:
Eye-rolling
Loss of consciousness
Stiffening of the entire body (tonic phase)
Rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs (clonic phase)
Paleness, sometimes with bluish lips (cyanosis)
Complete limpness of the body (atonic phase) in some cases
Most febrile seizures are lasting from a few seconds to under five minutes, and resolve on their own. Despite their frightening appearance, children usually recover fully within 1 to 2 hours. In rare cases, a seizure lasting over 15 minutes may require medication to stop.
3. Important to know
It’s natural to worry about your child’s health during and after a febrile seizure. Here are some key points to remember:
Febrile seizures generally do not affect a child’s development or brain function.
Children who experience febrile seizures do not have a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy later in life.
Giving fever-reducing medication does not reliably prevent febrile seizures.
4. When to Call 112
The first febrile seizure can be frightening. It’s recommended to contact emergency services by calling 112. They can provide immediate assistance and ensure your child receives the necessary care.
After a febrile seizure, discuss further steps with your pediatrician to prepare for any future occurrences. If your child has recurring febrile seizures and you feel prepared to handle them, and there are no alarming symptoms, you may not need to call an ambulance. However, it’s essential to inform your pediatrician after each febrile seizure.
What to Do During a Febrile Seizure
If your child has a febrile seizure, follow these steps:
Stay with your child.
Remain calm and avoid panicking.
Call emergency services (dial 112 at least for the first seizure).
Observe the duration of the seizure.
Gently place your child on their side to prevent choking if they vomit or have saliva.
Avoid inserting anything into your child’s mouth or throat.
Do not shake your child!
If it’s not the first febrile seizure, follow the procedure discussed with your pediatrician.
6. Treatment and Follow-Up
If the seizure persists when medical professionals arrive, they may administer emergency medication to stop it. Afterward, your child should be examined by a doctor. Additional tests, such as blood tests, a lumbar puncture, EEG, or imaging, may be required in some cases.
7. Preventing Febrile Seizures
There is no known way to prevent febrile seizures, not even through consistent fever management, as they can occur with a sudden rise in temperature.
!!!Caution with Over-the-Counter Medicines
Not all over-the-counter medicines are suitable for children of all ages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the correct dosage for your child’s age and size.
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