Your child suddenly shake or lose consciousness with a fever is one of the scariest moments you can experience. You may be asking: Is this serious? Will my child be okay?
One relatively common cause of these frightening episodes is febrile seizures, also called fever seizures in kids. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) explains that these seizures are tied to a rapid rise in body temperature and usually occur in young children during a fever-producing illness.
Understanding what they are, how to respond, and when to seek help can make all the difference.
What Is a Febrile Seizure
A febrile seizure is a convulsion that happens when a child with a fever has an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. They are most common in otherwise healthy infants and toddlers and are triggered by a child’s seizure with fever, not by epilepsy or a chronic neurological condition.
What happens during a febrile seizure
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, during a febrile seizure, your child may suddenly stiffen, jerk, or shake all over, roll their eyes, or become unresponsive for a short time. Some children might drool, lose bladder control, or briefly change color.
These episodes typically last one to two minutes.
Typical age range for febrile seizures
Febrile seizures are most common between 6 months and 5 years of age, with the peak incidence around 12 to 18 months. Most children who experience them will not have seizures outside of this age range.
What Causes Febrile Seizures in Children
How does fever trigger seizures
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but a rapid rise in body temperature seems to provoke electrical instability in a young child’s brain, leading to a seizure.
These seizures do not require extremely high fevers; sometimes, even moderate fevers can trigger them.
Common infections linked to febrile seizures
Many common childhood illnesses can prompt high fevers and increase seizure risk. These include:
- Colds
- Unresponsiveness
- Eye-rolling or staring
- Changes in breathing pattern
Most febrile seizures resolve on their own within a few minutes.
Symptoms that may seem scary but are common
After a seizure, your child may be:
- Sleepy
- Confused
- Clingy
These are expected reactions as the brain recovers.
- When to Go to Urgent Care or the ERInfluenza (flu)
- Roseola
- Ear Infection
- Other viral infections
While rare, fevers and, therefore, febrile seizures can also follow childhood vaccinations; the fever itself triggers the seizure, not the vaccine.
Types of Febrile Seizures
Simple febrile seizures
Simple febrile seizures are the most common. They last fewer than 15 minutes and happen only once during a 24-hour period. These seizures involve the whole body and do not recur during the same fever episode.
Complex febrile seizures
Complex febrile seizures may last longer than 15 minutes, occur more than once during a single illness, or affect only one part of the body. Children with complex febrile seizures sometimes require more careful medical evaluation.
Signs and Symptoms Parents May See
What a febrile seizure looks like
If your child has a febrile seizure, you might notice:
- Full-body stiffening or jerking
Red flags that need emergency evaluation
Seek immediate emergency care if:
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Your child has trouble breathing
- They don’t regain consciousness quickly
- Signs of meningitis (stiff neck, severe sleepiness) appear
- It’s the first seizure your child has ever had
When urgent care is appropriate
Urgent care is a good option if:
- The child is post-seizure
- Has fever
- Stable after seizure
Your child still needs evaluation for the underlying illness and reassurance.
If you need convenient, immediate care, Zenith Primary & Urgent Care in Marlborough is here to help. Our team provides the best healthcare services when you need them most.
Zenith Urgent Care offers walk-in services and same-day or next-day appointments for patients from Ashland, Berlin, Bolton, Framingham, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough.
With extended hours on weekdays and weekends, it’s easier to fit healthcare into your schedule. You can book here or call us at 617-500-7933 to get the care you need, when you need it.
Febrile Seizures- Frequently Asked Questions
Are febrile seizures dangerous?
They are frightening but usually are not harmful, especially if they are short and simple.
How long do febrile seizures usually last?
Most last 1 to 2 minutes. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is medically urgent.
Should my child see a neurologist?
Your pediatrician can guide this; complex or recurrent febrile seizures may warrant neurologist referral.
When can my child return to school or daycare?
Once the fever is under control and your child feels well, they can typically return. Make sure they have a plan for fever management.
