What is febrile seizure?

Febrile seizures are convulsions that can occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years, usually when they have a high fever. They are quite common, with about 1 in 20 children experiencing them. Febrile seizures may last from a few seconds to several minutes and can be frightening for parents to witness.

Symptoms of febrile seizures include shaking or jerking of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body, and rolling of the eyes. They usually occur in the first few hours of a fever and are not typically a sign of a serious medical condition.

Most febrile seizures do not require immediate medical attention, but it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause of the fever, which may require treatment. Parents can help prevent febrile seizures by monitoring their child's temperature regularly and administering fever-reducing medication as necessary. They can also try to keep their child comfortable by dressing them lightly, providing plenty of fluids, and using cool compresses.