Febrile Convulsions (Fever Fits)

Introduction

A febrile convulsion is a seizure (fit) which occurs in some children when they have a fever (high temperature). In most cases, febrile convulsions are not serious and do not need any treatment. Children usually make a full recovery.

What is a febrile convulsion?

A febrile convulsion is a fit brought on by fever in a child aged between 3 months and 6 years.  During an episode the child may become unconscious and still, with jerking of the arms and legs.  It is caused by an increase of electrical activity in the brain. The words convulsion, fit and seizure all mean the same thing.

Watching your child have a febrile convulsion can be very frightening. 

Are febrile convulsions common?

Yes, about 1 child in every 20 will have had a febrile convulsion by the age of 5. They often occur on the first day your child has a fever.

Is it the same as epilepsy?

No, epilepsy is a fit without fever. Febrile convulsions rarely lead to epilepsy but there is a small risk of your child developing epilepsy in the future.

What brings on a febrile convulsion and will they happen again?

Any illness that causes a high temperature usually a cold, ear infection or other viral infections may bring on a convulsion. 

There is a chance the convulsion will happen again.

Will my child suffer discomfort or pain during a convulsion?

No, your child is unconscious and unaware of what is happening. The convulsion is much more disturbing for those who witness it than it is for your child.

What should I do if my child has a fever?

If your baby is less than 3 months old, you must seek medical advice.

You should:

• Keep your child cool.

• Give your child lots of fluids to drink.

• Keep your house cool 18°C (64.5°F). Open a window if the room feels warm, but do not cause a draught.

• Not put too many clothes or covers on your child.

• Give liquid paracetamol such as Calpol. You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with the medication.

• Never wrap a feverish child.

• Never tepid or cold sponge your child as this can cause shivering which can make their temperature rise further.

Is treatment needed?

Treatment is not usually needed for the convulsion itself if it stops within a few minutes. However, treatment may be needed for the infection causing the fever.

If a convulsion lasts longer than 5 minutes, medication can be given to stop the convulsion. Your child’s doctor or nurse may give medication, either in the mouth, the vein or into the rectum (back passage) where it is quickly absorbed into their bloodstream and stops a convulsion.

What should I do if my child has another convulsion?

Lay your child on their side, with their head at the same level, or slightly lower than the body. Try to remain calm, do not leave your child if possible, however, try to take note of the time, and try to write it down. This can be very helpful. It is not usually necessary to do anything else.

Do Not:

• Put a gag or force anything else into your child’s mouth.
• Slap or shake your child.

Just wait for the convulsion to stop. If the convulsion does not stop within 5 minutes call an ambulance by dialling 999.

Contact numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Children’s Ward

Telephone: 01642 382815

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Children’s and Young Person’s Emergency Department

Telephone:  01642 624533

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones

or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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Telephone: 01642 617617

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Telephone: 01642 383551

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Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]