Febrile convulsions also called febrile fits or seizures occur in children up to five years old. The vast majority of febrile convulsions are not serious and full recovery with no permanent damage is usual.

By: Dr. Brett Hodge

What is a febrile convulsion?
Febrile convulsions occur in young children mainly between six months and five years of age. The convulsion or seizure occurs when there is a rapid increase in the child’s body temperature. Febrile convulsions affects up to 1 in 20 children. Some children are more at risk for febrile convulsions then others. Although febrile convulsions look like epileptic fits, they rarely have anything in common with this illness. Ninety-nine per cent of children who have a febrile convulsion have no more fits after they reach school age. There is no evidence that febrile convulsions cause brain damage.

What is a convulsion?
A convulsion or seizure/fit is an attack in which the child becomes unconscious and the body usually becomes stiff, with jerking of the arms and legs. The attack ends after a few minutes and the shaking stops. The child goes limp, and consciousness slowly returns. It is caused by unusual electrical activity of the brain.

What increases a child’s risk for febrile convulsions?
Children can inherit the tendency to suffer febrile convulsion from their parents. If the child gets frequent infections the risk for febrile convulsions is increased.

What do to if a child has a febrile convulsion?
You should carefully turn the child’s head to one side to prevent choking. Do not place a stick or any other object in the child’s mouth. This was done in the past, but this practice can cause serious damage to the teeth. When the fit or seizure is over, place the child in the recovery position that is, lying on its side. If the fit is prolonged or follow each other rapidly call the ambulance. A DOCTOR SHOULD ALWAYS BE CONSULTED FOLLWING AN ATTACK. If it is the first attack the child should be admitted to hospital.

What to do if the child has a high fever?
You should take the child’s temperature with a thermometer. Make sure the child is not too hot by removing extra clothing or bedclothes. Avoid making the child too cold. Give the child plenty of cold drinks. Some doctors may advise parents to use fever lowering drugs like acetominophine (paracetamol) or ibuprophen, but you must use the recommended dose. If the child seems ill or has earache or sore throat, let your doctor see him/her in case any other treatment is needed. Antibiotics are not necessary for most children with fever due to virus infections.
If your child has a febrile convulsion discuss with your family doctor on the best way to deal with them.

Conclusion
Febrile convulsions occur in children usually under five years of age. Although febrile convulsions seem frightening, it rarely results in any permanent injuries. The child is unconscious during a convulsion and is unaware of what is happening. Any illness that causes a high temperature can cause a febrile convulsion, usually a cold or other virus infection. Temperature-lowering medicines, such as paracetamol, can help lower the child’s temperature but the recommended dose must be used and repeated until the temperature returns to normal. A Febrile convulsion is not epilepsy. Parents requiring more information should consult with their health care provider.

Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr. Brett Hodge is an obstetrician/gynaecologist and family doctor who has over twenty years in clinical practice. Dr. Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.

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