Understanding Febrile Convulsions: A Guide for Parents

As parents, nothing is more alarming than seeing your child become suddenly unwell. We want to talk about Febrile Convulsions in this week’s health hack. At Halo Medical Group, we want to provide clear, practical information to help you understand febrile convulsions, what causes them, and how to respond effectively.

What Are Febrile Convulsions?

A febrile convulsion (or febrile seizure) is a seizure triggered by a fever. These convulsions typically occur in children between six months and five years old and are most commonly linked to a rapid rise in body temperature, often caused by an underlying infection like the flu, ear infection, or another common childhood illness.

While febrile convulsions can be distressing, they are usually harmless and do not cause long-term health issues. It’s essential to remember that febrile convulsions are not epilepsy and do not mean your child has an underlying neurological condition.

What Happens During a Febrile Convulsion?

During a febrile convulsion, you may notice:

• Your child losing consciousness.
• Their body stiffening and twitching.
• Rolling eyes or staring.
• Difficulty breathing or changes in skin colour (e.g., turning pale or blue around the lips).

Most febrile convulsions last less than five minutes, but in some cases, they may last longer.

What Causes Febrile Convulsions?

Febrile convulsions are caused by a fever, but it is not necessarily the height of the fever that triggers them; it is often the rapid rise in temperature. Common illnesses that might lead to febrile convulsions include:

• Viral infections (e.g., colds, flu).
• Bacterial infections (e.g., ear infections, tonsillitis).
• Post-vaccination fever (though rare).

Red Flag Signs: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While febrile convulsions are typically harmless, certain symptoms may indicate a need for urgent medical attention. Call emergency services if:

• The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
• Your child has difficulty breathing.
• They remain unresponsive or unusually drowsy after the seizure ends.
• The seizure involves only one part of the body or is followed by weakness in a limb.
• Your child has multiple seizures within 24 hours.
• They show signs of a serious infection, such as a stiff neck, a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure, or difficulty waking.

What to Do During a Febrile Convulsion

1. Stay Calm: While it’s a frightening experience, your calm response can help your child.
2. Protect Your Child: Place them on a soft surface, such as a bed or carpet, and remove nearby objects that could cause injury.
3. Turn Them on Their Side: This helps prevent choking if they vomit or have excessive saliva.
4. Do Not Restrain Them: Let the seizure run its course.
5. Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: This can cause harm and is unnecessary.
6. Monitor the Duration: Note the time the seizure starts and ends to inform healthcare professionals.
7. Cool Their Fever: Once the seizure stops, help lower their fever by removing excess clothing and giving them the appropriate dose of fever-reducing medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

After the Seizure: What’s Next?

After the seizure ends, your child may be drowsy or irritable, which is normal. Contact your doctor to discuss the episode and determine if further medical evaluation is necessary.

Resources for Parents

• NHS 111: For non-emergency medical advice and support.
• Emergency Services (999): If you need immediate medical help.
• Halo Medical Group: Our healthcare professionals are here to guide you through any concerns and provide follow-up care.
• Online Resources: Trusted websites like NHS.uk and Epilepsy Action offer valuable information.

Conclusion

Febrile convulsions, though alarming, are usually not a cause for long-term concern. By understanding what they are, recognising red flag signs, and knowing how to respond, you can feel more prepared to manage such an event. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and support.

If you have questions or concerns about febrile convulsions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Halo Medical Group. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.