Febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are convulsions brought on by a fever in infants or small children. During a febrile seizure, a child often loses consciousness and shakes, moving limbs on both sides of the body. Less commonly, the child becomes rigid or has twitches in only a portion of the body, such as an arm or a leg, or on the right or the left side only. Most febrile seizures last a minute or two, although some can be as brief as a few seconds while others last for more than 15 minutes.

Causes

The cause of febrile seizures is fever in small children or infants. The seizures occur in response to a spike in body temperature, often from an infection. Infections that increase body temperature can come from any source, such as the common cold, ear infections, or a viral or bacterial illness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of febrile seizures include:

• High fever
• Loss of consciousness
• Shaking, often on both sides of the body
• Becoming rigid or having twitches in only a portion of the body

Diagnosis

Febrile seizures are diagnosed by a healthcare provider. The provider will ask about the child's medical history and symptoms, and will perform a physical examination. The provider may also order tests, such as blood tests or a lumbar puncture, to check for infections.

Treatment

Treatment for febrile seizures focuses on bringing down the child's fever. This can be done with fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If the child has an infection, the provider may also prescribe antibiotics.

Prevention

Prevention of febrile seizures involves reducing the child's fever as soon as it begins. This can be done with fever-reducing medications and by keeping the child cool.

See also

• Seizures
• Fever
• Infections

Febrile seizures Resources
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