This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
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.
Possible Causes
- 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
What You Can Do
- 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)
When to See a Doctor
- 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
Age-Specific Notes
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%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a febrile seizure cause brain damage?
Should I reduce fever preventively to avoid a seizure?
What do I do during a febrile seizure?
Will my child have another febrile seizure?
Weekly tips for you
Personalised info for your stage — free, no spam.
Question about Febrile Seizure in Babies?
Our AI answers instantly — with empathy and evidence.
This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.