Febrile seizures

What it is

A seizure during a fever in a child aged 6 months to 5 years, with no CNS infection and no prior seizures outside fever. A simple febrile seizure is generalized, shorter than 15 minutes and does not recur within 24 hours; it is usually benign.

What to do during the seizure

• lay the child on their side, move dangerous objects away;

• note the time the seizure started;

• put nothing in the mouth and do not restrain the child;

• after it ends, check breathing and consciousness.

When to call an ambulance

• the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes;

• it recurs within 24 hours;

• laboured breathing or cyanosis;

• the child does not regain consciousness afterwards;

• it is the first seizure — the child should be seen by a doctor.

Red flags

Suspect a complex seizure or a CNS infection and examine without delay:

• a focal component, or a duration longer than 15 minutes;

• age under 6 months or over 5 years;

• neck stiffness, a petechial rash, marked lethargy — rule out meningitis.

Related topics

On assessing the fever itself — see Fever without a source.