Experiencing your child having a febrile seizure can be scary. Knowing that your child is sick and not feeling well is a horrible feeling. When coupled with seizures it can make you feel altogether helpless. A febrile seizure usually happens to a child who is experiencing a temperature over 102 degrees. While the seizure only happens for a few minutes, it can seem much longer to a parent who wants nothing more than to help their child. It is estimated that fewer than 5% of children who experience febrile seizures end up with epileptic seizures, and it is believed there is no connection between the two.
It is thought febrile seizures begin from an infection in the body. These types of seizures usually happen in younger children who are between six months and up to three years of age, although they can somewhat rarely happen to children up to five. Researchers have found a link in families that have febrile seizures, although the link is not necessary for a child to experience one.
There are no indications of any damage caused to the brain of a child by the seizure itself. Children who have a febrile seizure early in life (typically prior to 18 months of age) may have a tendency to experience febrile seizures more frequently.
How to Help Your Child during a Seizure
As with any seizure, it is important to do a few things when your child experiences a seizure. Place your child on his or her side on the ground, away from any sharp objects or corners. When some people experience seizures, there is an increased amount of saliva in the mouth, so placing the child on their side prevents them from choking on any excess fluid.
If possible, time the seizure. You may also want to note what their temperature was when the seizure started, if you know it. These are both items of interest for your child’s doctor.
Avoid the urge to restrain your child or hold them tightly while they are seizing. Also, never put anything in the mouth of a person who is having a seizure. There is the potential of them biting off something and choking. When your child’s seizure ends, be sure to be comforting and not act frightened, as this may in turn frighten your child.
Make sure to contact your child’s physician after they experience a seizure. Give the doctor as much information as you can, as it can help the doctor to target the cause of the seizure. As with any medical condition, know that you are not alone and there is a lot of information your doctor can give you.
Print 
PDF