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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Febrile seizures Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD