A febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child caused by a sudden rise in body temperature, usually due to a fever. It is the most common type of seizure in children and is usually harmless. Febrile seizures usually occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, but can occur in older children as well. Most febrile seizures last only a few minutes and do not cause any long-term problems.
Febrile seizures are caused by a sudden increase in body temperature, usually due to an infection. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as the flu or a cold. Bacterial infections, such as ear infections or urinary tract infections, can also cause febrile seizures. Other causes include reactions to vaccinations, dehydration, and overheating from a hot environment.
The symptoms of a febrile seizure vary depending on the age of the child. In infants, the seizure may appear as a stiffening of the body or jerking movements. Older children may experience twitching, stiffening, or jerking of the arms and legs. Some children may also experience loss of consciousness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
Treatment for a febrile seizure usually involves controlling the fever and preventing further seizures. The child should be kept cool and given a fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or the child has multiple seizures, they should be taken to the emergency room.
Febrile seizures are usually harmless and do not cause any long-term problems. However, if a child has a complicated febrile seizure, they may need further evaluation to rule out other causes of seizures. It is important to talk to your child’s healthcare provider if your child has had a febrile seizure.
