Fever and Seizures: Quick Answers for Parents
When a kid’s temperature spikes, the fear of a seizure can hit hard. The reality is that most fevers don’t cause seizures, but a small group of children—especially under five—can experience a febrile seizure. Knowing the difference between a harmless fever and a seizure that needs urgent care can save a lot of panic.
Why Fever Can Lead to Seizures
Fever raises the body’s core temperature, and in some youngsters, that sudden rise can overstimulate the brain’s electrical activity. The exact reason isn’t fully understood, but genetics play a big role; if a close family member had febrile seizures, the risk goes up. It’s not the illness itself—whether it’s a cold, flu, or ear infection—that triggers the seizure, but the rapid temperature climb.
Most febrile seizures happen within the first 24 hours of a fever and last under five minutes. They usually involve a brief loss of consciousness, muscle stiffening, and rhythmic shaking. After the episode, the child often looks tired or confused, but they typically bounce back quickly with no lasting damage.
How to Handle a Febrile Seizure
First, stay calm. Your reaction sets the tone for everyone else. Gently lay the child on their side on a soft surface to keep the airway clear. Move any objects away that could cause injury. Do NOT try to hold the child down or put anything in their mouth; this can cause more harm.
Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes, call emergency services right away—prolonged seizures need medical intervention. Otherwise, after the shaking stops, keep the child on their side until they’re fully alert. You can lower the fever with age‑appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but don’t give medication while the seizure is in progress.
Once the child is stable, note what they ate, any recent illnesses, and how high the temperature got. Share this information with a pediatrician, especially if it’s the first seizure. The doctor may order blood tests or a brief EEG to rule out other causes, but most children outgrow febrile seizures by the time they’re two to five years old.
Prevention focuses on gentle fever control. Dress the child in light clothing, keep the room comfortably cool, and use a sponge bath with lukewarm water if the fever feels high. Regularly check the temperature with a reliable thermometer and treat spikes promptly.
If you have a family history of febrile seizures, talk to your pediatrician about a possible low‑dose antipyretic plan during illness. Some doctors also recommend a short course of rectal diazepam for children who have had multiple febrile seizures, but this is decided case‑by‑case.
Remember, a single febrile seizure rarely means the child will develop epilepsy. Long‑term studies show that most kids have normal development and no increased seizure risk later in life. The key is knowing what to do in the moment and keeping the fever in check.
Having a plan for fever and seizures can turn a scary situation into a manageable one. Keep this guide handy, share it with family members, and you’ll feel more confident the next time a fever strikes.
