Febrile Convulsions are quite common in young children. As many as 1 in 20 children has a febrile convulsion between the ages of 1 and 4 years. You may find it reassuring to know that most of these children will not have any further problems with convulsions after the age of 4 years. Parents often feel frightened and helpless when their child has such a convulsion. This Factsheet offers practical help and guidance.

what does ‘Febrile’ Mean?

‘Febrile’ means ‘related to fever’. A febrile convulsion is triggered by a rapidly rising temperature (to over 38 degrees C).

what happens?

You will probably observe a disturbance in all of the muscles of your child’s body and usually there is a loss of consciousness. This may be followed by a stiffening and rhythmical jerking of parts of the body. Eyes may roll up and there may be frothing at the mouth and blueness around the lips. Breathing may appear shallow. Some children wet themselves. The convulsion usually lasts 3 – 5 minutes, after which the child recovers spontaneously.

who has febrile convulsions?

Many young children between the ages of 1 and 4 years will have a febrile convulsion, caused by a combination of a high temperature (common in childhood illnesses such as tonsillitis), and a young brain. Febrile convulsions are much less likely to occur after 4 years of age.

will a child have more than one?

Many children will only have 1 febrile convulsion. Some may have further febrile convulsions when ill with a high temperature.

should a doctor be called?

A convulsion usually lasts 3 – 5 minutes after which the child recovers.

The cause of the temperature rise needs prompt assessment by a doctor. If the convulsion is prolonged or if the child has a series of convulsions in rapid succession, then immediate medical help must be sought.

what help is needed?

It is important to prevent the temperature rising further and to try to reduce it. Remove clothing and sponge the child all over with tepid, (but not cold), water, Direct cool air on to the child by fanning.

As soon as possible, turn the child onto his/her side to ease breathing. The child may be confused after the convulsion and need reassurance.

is medication necessary?

There is a risk that a child who has had a febrile convulsion may have another one in similar circumstances. For this reason, your doctor may consider giving medication until your child is older and less at risk.

are febrile convulsions ‘Epilepsy’?

Febrile convulsions are not usually classified as epilepsy. Most children who have a febrile convulsion do not have any further problems after the age of 4 years. However, some children who have had very frequent or prolonged convulsions may go on to have established epilepsy.

does the tendency to suffer febrile convulsions run in families?

This tendency can run in families.

are all convulsions In young children febrile?

Sometimes young children have convulsions for other reasons than a high temperature. Always seek medical advice to find out the cause of the convulsions.

‘Do’s and ‘Don’ts’ for febrile convulsions

DO keep calm, cool your child, turn your child onto his/her side, reassure your child and get medical help promptly.

DON’T give a child with a fever extra clothes and blankets or a hot water bottle.

DON’T panic – most convulsions are over quickly and do not create long term problems.