Seizures are uncontrollable muscle movements that occur when the brain cells controlling nerve function become irritated, overstimulated, or compressed, preventing them from working properly.
These episodes typically last a few minutes or even just seconds, and may be followed by drowsiness or confusion, which can sometimes last for days.
Seizures in children generally present similarly to those in adults, though children can experience some specific types, such as febrile seizures, caused by a fever, or infantile spasms, which can lead to more serious complications.
Since febrile seizures are fairly common, given how many things can cause a fever in a child, it’s important for parents to know how to respond in these moments. They generally occur in a small percentage of children between six months and five years of age; if they occur after this age range, the pediatrician will need to investigate further.
If your child is sick, say, with the flu, it’s always a good idea to have a thermometer on hand to monitor whether their body temperature is approaching 37.8°C (100°F). Once the temperature reaches 38°C (100.4°F), a febrile seizure may occur.
It’s also important to give any medications previously prescribed by the pediatrician to treat both the underlying illness and the fever itself. There are medications available to stop febrile seizures, but these are typically only prescribed if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
If the fever doesn’t come down, you can place the child in a tub or shower with lukewarm water for about an hour. Throughout this process, it’s important to continuously check the child’s body temperature.
As a parent, here are some important recommendations to follow if your child has a febrile seizure:
- The most important thing is to stay calm.
- Offer the child plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solution, juice, or tea, to keep them hydrated.
- Never cover the baby’s mouth with a blanket or any other object.
- Position the baby on their side to prevent saliva or vomit from pooling in the lungs.
- Place a pillow under the baby’s shoulders and head.
- Loosen or completely remove the baby’s clothing.
- Never restrain the child during a seizure.
- Move away any objects that could hurt them.
If the child’s temperature keeps rising, or simply doesn’t come down, take them to the pediatric emergency department for care.
Although febrile seizures are relatively uncommon, they’re a normal occurrence that can happen to any child. What matters most is addressing it promptly.
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
