Febrile Seizures Treatment in Indore

What are febrile seizures?

A febrile seizure is a convulsion that occurs in young children when they develop a fever (typically >38°C / 100.4°F).

They most commonly occur among children aged 6 months to 5 years old.

They tend to be harmless and usually don't cause brain damage, and most children outgrow them.

Types of Febrile Seizures

1. Simple Febrile Seizure (most common)

Lasts less than 15 minutes.

Does not recur within 24 hours

Generalised (whole-body shaking)

2. Complex Febrile Seizure

Lasts longer than 15 minutes

Occurring more than once in 24 hours

It may only affect one side of the body or parts of the body

Symptoms of Febrile Seizures

Commonly, during a febrile seizure, the child may exhibit:

Typical Symptoms

Sudden loss of consciousness

Shaking or jerking of arms and legs

Stiffening of the body

Eyes roll back

Frothing or drooling at the mouth

Skin may appear pale or slightly blue

Brief shortness of breath, usually harmless

After the Seizure (Postictal Phase)

A child might feel drowsy, confused, or ill-tempered

May not remember what happened

A typical febrile seizure lasts 1–2 minutes, although it seems like a much longer period.

Causes and Risk Factors

Febrile seizures are a result of the immaturity of a child's brain and greater sensitivity to sudden changes in body temperature.

Risk Factors

High fever from viral illnesses (most common)

Family history of febrile seizures

Rapid rise in temperature

Recent vaccinations-very rare trigger, but can occur due to fever.

Prevention of Febrile Seizures

There is no sure way to prevent febrile seizures; however, you can decrease the risk:

1. Fever Management Early

Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen when fever begins

(Follow age-appropriate dosing; avoid ibuprofen <6 months old.)

Keep the child well-hydrated

Wear light clothes to avoid overheating.

2. Monitor Closely During Illness

Check the temperature regularly when the child is sick.

Initiate antipyretics early during infection.

3. Avoid Overheating

Do not overbundle the baby

Keep the room temperature comfortable

Important Note

Fever medicines may not always prevent febrile seizures, since they may occur when a fever first starts and before anyone realises the child has a fever.

What to Do During a Febrile Seizure

Don't panic.

Lay the child on their side on a safe surface.

Do not restrain them.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

Loosen tight clothing.

Time the seizure, if possible.

Call emergency services if:

The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

Breathing appears seriously compromised.

The child does not wake up or respond following a seizure

It is the child's first seizure

Seizure is focal (one side of the body)

Long-Term Outlook: Most children recover completely and do not develop epilepsy. Febrile seizures do not usually affect intelligence, learning, or behaviour. About 1 in 3 children may have a second febrile seizure, but they usually stop by age 5–6.