What is febrile seizure?

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Febrile seizures

A febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child triggered by a fever. These convulsions occur without any brain or spinal cord infection or other nervous system (neurologic) cause.

Febrile seizure

A febrile seizure is a convulsion in young children caused by a sudden spike in body temperature, often from an infection. Watching your child experience a febrile seizure can be alarming. It may last only a few minutes, but it may seem like an eternity.

Febrile seizures

During a febrile seizure, place your child in the recovery position. Lay them on their side, on a soft surface, with their face turned to one side. This will stop them swallowing any vomit, it will keep their airway open, and it will help to prevent injury.

Febrile Seizure in Children

A febrile seizure or convulsion is caused by a higher than normal body temperature (fever). During a seizure, the electrical activity in the brain is not normal. The brain seems to act as if it is having an electrical storm during the seizure. Febrile seizures are the most common kind of seizure and are usually not harmful. Seizures are frightening to see and to have. A seizure usually does not cause brain damage and may not be as serious as it looks. A febrile seizure may last 1 to 10 minutes.

Seizures and Fever

Febrile seizures, also known as convulsions, body spasms, or shaking, occur mainly in children and are caused by fever. (Febrile is derived from the Latin febris, meaning fever.) As with most types of seizures, the onset is dramatic, with little or no warning. In most instances, the seizure lasts only a few minutes and stops on its own. Febrile seizures may occur because a child's developing brain is sensitive to the effects of fever. These seizures are most likely to occur with high body temperatures (higher than 102°F) but may also occur with milder fevers. The sudden rise in temperature seems to be more important than the degree of temperature. The seizure may occur with the initial onset of fever before a childs caregiver is even aware the child is ill.

Fever

A fever is an elevation of body temperature often indicating an infection. Fever is nature's alarm bell. It is actually a natural defense system against harmful invaders and, where possible, should be allowed to run its course. In our mistaken fear and ignorance, we often run for the Tylenol or aspirin to bring down the fever the moment it rises above normal. Of course, high temperature (102 degrees or over) indicates your body needs help in overthrowing the infection in your system. We would do well, however, to listen to the ancient physicians when they tell us they regarded a fever as a healing agent. The fever actually burns up the toxins. Normal body temperature ranges from 98 degrees to 99 degrees F. Consult your doctor immediately if the temperature is over 101 degrees F. If unchecked, fever can cause brain injury and dehydration. A fever is not a disease. It is a symptom of the presence of a disease. Running an elevation of temperature at times may be helpful to the body. This defense mechanism acts to destroy foreign microbes. If the fever does not get too high, you may elect to let it run its course, helping to eliminate toxins.

Febrile Seizures Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological ...

Feb 22, 2011 ... An information sheet compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Febrile seizure - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Febrile seizure is a convulsion that is associated with a significant rise in body temperature in children ages of six months to six years. ...

Pediatrics, Febrile Seizures: eMedicine Emergency Medicine

Feb 5, 2010 ... Overview: Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures observed in the pediatric age group. Although described by the ancient ...

Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own ...