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Febrile Seizure in Babies

A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by a rapid rise in temperature. It affects 2-5% of all children aged 6 months to 5 years. As frightening as it looks — in the vast majority of cases it is harmless and leaves no lasting damage.

الأسباب المحتملة

1Rapid rise in temperature (not the height of fever itself)
2Genetic predisposition — runs in families
3Viral infections (most common trigger, e.g. roseola)
4Vaccine reaction (rare, most common after MMR or MMRV)
5Immature nervous system in young children

ما يمكنكِ فعله

STAY CALM — the seizure looks worse than it is
Place child on their side (recovery position) — prevents choking
DO NOT put anything in the mouth — neither fingers nor spoons
Time the seizure (watch/phone) — important for the doctor
Remove dangerous objects from nearby
Call 112 (emergency) if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
After the seizure: see paediatrician (first febrile seizure should always be evaluated)

متى تزورين الطبيب؟

Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes → call 112 IMMEDIATELY
Multiple seizures within 24 hours
Baby is under 6 months old
One-sided seizure (only one side of the body affected)
Child is unresponsive for more than 15 minutes after the seizure
Neck stiffness or bulging fontanelle after the seizure

ملاحظات حسب العمر

Febrile seizures occur almost exclusively between 6 months and 5 years, peaking between 12 and 18 months. A simple febrile seizure lasts under 5 minutes, is symmetric (both sides of the body), and occurs only once in 24 hours. It does NOT cause brain damage and does NOT cause epilepsy. The recurrence risk is about 30%.

الأسئلة الشائعة

Can a febrile seizure cause brain damage?

No. A simple febrile seizure (under 5 minutes, symmetric) does NOT cause brain damage and does NOT lead to epilepsy. This is well established scientifically. As terrifying as it looks — your child will wake up normally afterwards.

Should I reduce fever preventively to avoid a seizure?

Unfortunately no. Studies show that preventive fever reduction does NOT reliably prevent febrile seizures. The seizure is triggered by the rapid temperature rise — often the fever is only noticed AFTER the seizure. Still reduce fever if your child feels unwell.

What do I do during a febrile seizure?

Stay calm. Place child on their side. Don't put anything in the mouth. Time the seizure. Remove dangerous objects. For first febrile seizure or if it lasts over 5 minutes: call 112. See paediatrician after the seizure.

Will my child have another febrile seizure?

About 30% of children experience a second febrile seizure. The risk is higher if the first seizure was before 18 months, with family history, or if the seizure occurred at relatively low fever. Your paediatrician can assess the individual risk.