10 Symptoms and Treatments of Febrile Seizures

The symptoms of a febrile seizure can be very mild. Your child may cry during an episode. Obviously, your baby will cry for lots of reasons, especially if he or she has a fever and isn’t feeling well, to begin with. However, this crying might be a little more peculiar than usual. Your little one might even make a moaning noise. Another mild symptom of a febrile seizure is the child’s eyes rolling.

A more obvious symptom of febrile seizures besides crying or moaning is the sudden tightening of the muscles. The contractions can occur on both sides of the body. This uncomfortable symptom can last for a few seconds or up to ten minutes.

During a febrile seizure, a child may experience convulsions, which involve brief, rhythmic movements of the limbs. While this can be concerning for caregivers, febrile seizures are generally short-lived and do not cause lasting harm. Most episodes last only a few minutes, and prolonged shaking is uncommon.

Some children may briefly lose awareness during a febrile seizure, which is a temporary response to fever-related activity in the brain. In some cases, bladder control may also be affected, but this is not harmful and typically resolves once the seizure ends.

Some children with febrile seizures may experience nausea or vomiting, though this is less common. If vomiting occurs, keeping the child in a safe position, such as on their side, can help prevent discomfort. In rare cases, mild tongue injuries may occur, but ensuring a clear space around the child can help prevent injury during an episode.

Some children may briefly hold their breath or experience irregular breathing during a febrile seizure. In rare cases, this may cause temporary skin color changes, such as a bluish tint. However, these changes typically resolve on their own once the seizure ends. Keeping the child in a safe position and monitoring them closely can help ensure a smooth recovery.

A fever occurs when body temperature rises above normal levels, and febrile seizures are most commonly triggered by fevers above 102°F (38.9°C). While fevers are a natural response to infections, monitoring temperature changes and managing fever with appropriate care can help provide comfort.

There are several things you can do to help a child during a febrile seizure. Although it won’t automatically stop the seizure from happening, you should remove any objects nearby that may cause injury. If possible, you should remove clothes from the waist up or at least loosen any tight clothing that is around the neck.

If your little one vomits, turn him or her to the side or on the stomach. Try to monitor if the child is biting his or her tongue, or if anything else is blocking the airway. Never try to force an object into the baby’s mouth to prevent him or her from biting the tongue. You should also refrain from holding a child down or restraining the movements.

Since a febrile seizure is caused by a fever, you should do focus your attention on bringing it down. You can give the child an acetaminophen suppository; it is inserted into the rectum because giving it by mouth poses a choking hazard.

You can place a cool washcloth or towel around the child’s neck and forehead. Sponging the rest of the body with lukewarm water can also help. Never use water that is too cold or alcohol because it can make the fever worse. After your child is awake and the febrile seizure is over, you can administer a normal dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to keep the fever at bay.

Febrile seizures can be concerning to witness, but most resolve on their own and do not require emergency care. However, discussing the episode with a healthcare provider can help determine if further evaluation is needed. In some cases, doctors may recommend testing to rule out infections or other underlying conditions.

Nevertheless, it is essential to identify the cause of the fever. The doctor may perform some tests to check for signs of more serious infections or illnesses such as meningitis. Dehydration may have to be treated if serious vomiting or diarrhea occurred. Blood or urine tests may also be recommended to pinpoint the reason for the fever.