Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can take several forms. The most well-known type is the tonicclonic seizure, which causes a child to lose consciousness and experience uncontrolled jerking of the body. This can be very frightening for parents, who often fear their child may stop breathing or die. However, such outcomes are extremely rare.

If your child has a seizure, place them on their back or side, and turn their head to the side to prevent aspiration in case of vomiting. Gently tilt the chin upwards to keep the airway open. You should then take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately. It is important to identify the cause of the seizure and provide appropriate treatment.

Most seizures in young children are not serious and are often caused by fever, known as febrile seizures.

Febrile seizures:

Febrile seizures are a type of seizure often associated with high fevers in young children, typically between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. These seizures usually occur during a spike in fever and are generally brief, often lasting just a few minutes. Most parents don’t even know their child has a fever when the febrile seizure begins. Thankfully, febrile seizures do not result from an underlying neurological condition.

Typically, febrile seizures manifest as generalized seizures, where the child may lose consciousness and experience convulsions, muscle stiff- ness, shaking, or twitching. These seizures typically last for a few minutes but can be as short as a few seconds or last up to 15 minutes. While these episodes can be distressing for parents to observe, they are generally not harmful to the child in the long term and do not lead to brain damage or epilepsy. Most children who experience febrile seizures outgrow them by the age of 5.

After a febrile seizure, a young child typically enters a “postictal” period, which is characterized by a state of confusion, drowsiness, or lethargy. This can last from a few minutes to an hour as the child gradually returns to their normal state. During this time, the child may appear disoriented or irritable and may require rest. It’s important for parents and caregivers to provide a calm and safe environment, ensuring the child is comfortable and monitored closely. Offering fluids when the child is fully awake can be helpful, but it is important to allow them to regain full consciousness at their own pace without significant disturbance. Although the postictal period can be worrying for caregivers, understanding that these symptoms are a normal part of recovery from a seizure is important. If confusion or unusual symptoms persist beyond the typical period, further medical advice should be sought.

The exact cause of febrile seizures is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to rapid increases in body temperature during fevers. Factors such as genetic predisposition, family history of febrile seizures, and the speed or degree of the fever may also contribute to their occurrence.

If a child experiences a febrile seizure, it is important to ensure their safety by placing them on their side to prevent choking and removing any nearby objects that could cause injury. Immediate medical attention should be sought to address the underlying cause of the fever and to rule out more serious conditions such as meningitis, an infection involving the brain. Following a physician’s guidance and using antipyretic (fever-reducing) medications can help manage the fever. During the evaluation of a seizure we investigate the child’s symptoms and give guidance on seizure management and strategies for preventing future seizures. Generally febrile seizures are not treated with anticonvulsant medications.