When your baby has a fever, it's tough to stay calm. They’re uncomfortable, which leads to more crying, less napping and constant temperature checks by you. Sick kids are not a recipe for relaxation. However, if your child experiences a febrile seizure during a fever, it can escalate your concern even further. We spoke with Gina Montion, MD, a pediatrician with Banner Children’s, to answer common questions and help you respond appropriately if your child’s fever triggers a seizure.
Why do febrile seizures happen?
Dr. Montion explained, "The same chemicals released by your immune system to create a fever can also increase neuron excitability." This reaction is most common in young children. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), children between 6 months and 5 years old are most likely to experience febrile seizures, with the highest risk around the age of 2. Although it’s a frightening experience for parents, the likelihood of a febrile seizure is still relatively low. The NINDS estimates that 2-5% of children under the age of five will experience one.
How can I reduce my child's risk?
Dr. Montion advised that most febrile seizures occur due to a rapid increase in fever or when a fever reaches high temperatures, such as 104°F. Checking your child’s temperature regularly when they have a fever can help predict the risk of a febrile seizure.
“There’s no need to aggressively treat a fever in a child who doesn’t have a history of febrile seizures,” Dr. Montion says. However, parents of children with a history of febrile seizures may want to use scheduled doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen during the first few days of the fever. While some suggest alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Dr. Montion emphasizes that there is no scientific evidence supporting this approach.
How do I recognize a febrile seizure?
According to the NINDS, most febrile seizures are convulsions. During a seizure, the child may lose consciousness, and both arms and legs may shake uncontrollably. However, shaking is not always present. The key signs to watch for are:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Shaking or stiffening of the body
- Eyes rolling back
- Foaming at the mouth (in some cases)
What should I do if my child has a febrile seizure?
- Note the time. It can be scary when a febrile seizure happens, but it's important to note the time. The duration of the seizure is an important factor in determining whether you need immediate medical help.
- Call for medical help if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. “Simple febrile seizures usually stop within a few minutes,” Dr. Montion said. If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if your child isn’t recovering quickly, call an ambulance immediately.
- Make sure your child is on a safe surface. If possible, gently move your child to a flat surface where there is less risk of injury. The floor is usually the safest place. Do not try to hold or restrain the child.
- Position your child on their side. Carefully clear any potential blockages from your child’s mouth to prevent choking. Placing your child on their side will help prevent choking on saliva or foam in their throat.
- Seek medical attention after the seizure. Once the seizure ends, take your child to the doctor, especially if they are behaving strangely or seem to be having difficulty recovering.
Should I be worried about long-term effects?
Although febrile seizures can be alarming, it’s important to know that most brief febrile seizures do not cause long-term health problems. However, it’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with a Banner Children’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s health or if it’s their first seizure.
Recommended reading
- Fevers: What to Do and When to Worry
- Treat Your Child’s Flu Symptoms at Home
- Does Your Child Need Medical Care or Can You Treat Them at Home?
Content in this article was updated on January 27, 2025.
