Emergency Febrile Convulsion in Children
Department health • care • people
fact sheets
www.health.qld.gov.au/emergency
What is a febrile convulsion? What are the symptoms?
A febrile convulsion is a seizure or fit that occurs with A febrile convulsion can be very frightening for parents
fever, usually in children under five years of age. and observers to witness. The signs and symptoms usually
include:
The fever may not be obvious before the fit, as it usually
comes on very quickly. This rapid change in temperature • Loss of consciousness (a ‘blackout’)
causes the seizure, not how high the temperature is.
• Twitching or jerking of arms and legs
Most fits last less than two minutes, but can range from
a few seconds to up to 15 minutes. The child is usually • Difficulty breathing and/or foaming at the mouth
drowsy afterwards. • Going pale or blue in colour
Seizures usually happen in children aged from six months • The eyes rolling back so only the whites are visible.
to six years of age. Febrile convulsions are very common;
about one in 25 children will have one. • Your child may take up to 30 minutes to wake up
properly afterwards. They may be irritable during this
time and appear not to recognise you.
What is fever?
• Fever is the body’s normal response to an infection
and is usually harmless. For a child, this occurs when
the body temperature reaches above 38ºC.
What should I do if my child has a fit?
• Stay calm and do not panic.
• If your child has a fever:
• Do not force or put anything into the child’s mouth,
• keep them cool by not overdressing them or having including your fingers.
their room too hot
• Ensure your child is safe by placing them on the floor
• Fanning or tepid sponging/bathing is not recommend- and removing any objects that they could hit against.
ed for children with a fever as it may cause shivering
• Note the time the fit started and stopped, to tell the
and distress.
doctor.
• give them plenty to drink (it is best to give small fre-
• Once the fit has stopped place your child on their side
quent drinks, or sips, of water)
and make them comfortable.
• give paracetamol (such as Panadol or Dymadon) or
• Do not shake or slap your child to wake them up.
ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) if your child has pain or is
miserable • Do not restrain your child.
• Carefully check the label for the correct dose and make • Have your child checked by your local doctor or health
sure you are not giving your child any other products care professional as soon as possible.
containing Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (such as some
cough medicines and cold and flu preparations). • If the fit lasts longer than five minutes or if you are
very worried call an ambulance (dial 000)
What causes a febrile convulsion? What can you do to prevent febrile con-
The exact mechanism behind febrile convulsions is un-
known. What we do know is that, in general, children vulsions?
Unfortunately, as febrile convulsion may be the first sign
have a lower seizure threshold than adults. This means that of illness in your child, it is not always possible to take
they are more prone to convulsions. steps to prevent them. If your child has a fever you may
Febrile convulsions happen when there is a sudden change use some simple techniques to make them feel better:
in body temperature. The cause of the fever is usually a • Paracetamol (Panadol) or Ibuprofen (Nurofen) may
viral illness. Trying to treat the fever (such as by giving help to reduce their temperature and make them feel a
paracetamol) will not prevent a febrile convulsion. Febrile little better but unfortunately has not been shown to
convulsions tend to run in families, although the reason prevent febrile seizures
for this is not known.
• Avoid overdressing your child
Seeking help
• Avoid sponging and cold bathes that may cool your In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emer-
child too rapidly gency department or call an ambulance (dial 000).
For other medical problems see your local Doctor or
What to expect health-care professional.
• Children suffer no pain or discomfort during a fit. 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) provides health information,
referral and teletriage services to the public in all parts of
• A febrile convulsion is not epilepsy. No regular medi-
Queensland and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
cation is needed.
365 days a year for the cost of a local call*.
• A short fit will not cause brain damage. Even a long *Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate. Please check
fit almost never causes harm. with your telephone service provider
• Children who have febrile convulsions normally grow
up healthy and do not have any permanent damage
from seizures.
• One in three babies and children who have had one
febrile convulsion will have another. Some children
will never have a seizure or have only one in their Want to know more?
lifetime. There is no way of predicting who will be
affected or when this will happen. • Ask your local doctor or health care professional
• Children usually have fewer seizures as they get older, • Visit Healthinsite
and most seizures stop completely by the age of six. www.healthinsite.gov.au
• Visit the Better Health Channel
Disclaimer: This health information is for general educa- www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
tion purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or
other health professional to make sure this information is
right for you.
Notes:
Follow up with:
Date and Time-
Name-
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Febrile Convulsion in Children
