How to Identify Signs of Febrile Seizure

A febrile seizure is a type of convulsion that often occurs in infants and small children. Such seizures are often caused by high fevers that result from a variety of factors, including colds, infections or viruses. The seizures, which may last from seconds to minutes, affect the central nervous, musculoskeletal and circulatory systems. Infants and young children commonly experience such seizures, though most typically, the age groups affected are between 6 months old to 6 years old. Febrile seizures seem to be more common in boys than girls and often accompany a genetic predisposition for them. It is important to know how to identify signs of febrile seizures in order to provide security and safety for babies and toddlers. Though most children outgrow such seizures by the time they reach 5 or 6 years old, febrile seizures should be understood and recognized by parents.

Things You'll Need

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofin

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Instructions

• 1

  Look at your child's limbs to observe any signs of jerking movements or stiffening if they are suffering from a fever that rises quickly. This stiffening or jerking may be noted in the legs, the arms, or both and last anywhere from a few seconds to longer than five minutes or so.

• 2

  Twitching in the arms or legs are another indication of musculoskeletal or central nervous impulses that cause erratic movement of the limbs. These types of twitches may be noted on one side of the body, or in one arm or leg, but not all at the same time.

• 3

  Keep watch for your child's eyes rolling back up into their head while they have a fever, another indication of a febrile seizure. Sometimes, a child may lose consciousness for a few seconds or moments and appear to fall asleep suddenly and without warning. In most cases, this is not dangerous to the child unless he or she falls or bumps into furniture or hard objects. If your child has a fever that seems to rise rapidly, watch him or her carefully.

• 4

  Watch for signs of a quickly rising temperature. Anything over 102 degrees (rectally) should be discussed with your pediatrician for treatment.

• 5

  Watch your baby or toddler for signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness when suffering from a high temperature, as this is yet another indication of a febrile seizure.