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Febrile convulsions

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

What is a febrile convulsion?

A febrile convulsion is a common medical condition. Approximately three percent of children aged 6 months to 6 years have a convulsion when they have a fever or high temperature.

What happens?

The febrile convulsion or fit happens when the normal brain activity is disturbed. It usually occurs without warning. During the fit your child may:

• become stiff or floppy
• become unconscious or unaware of their surroundings
• display jerking or twitching movements
• have difficulty breathing.

What can the doctors do for my child?

Your child's fit may stop without any medical treatment. If it does not stop within 5 minutes, the doctor will need to manage the fit and ensure it is treated quickly.

Even though the high temperature is usually related to a viral infection, the doctor will need to examine your child to try and understand the cause of the high temperature. Further investigations or blood tests may need to be done to rule out other causes for the fever.

Can my child get another convulsion the next time they have a fever?

Yes. The chance of having another febrile convulsion in the following year is 30%, but this means that 70% (or 7 out of 10 children) will not have another fit. The risk of a second fit reduces every year and it becomes extremely rare after they turn 6 years old.

What does the future hold for my child?

The outlook for a child with simple febrile convulsions is excellent. There is no evidence of "brain damage" in these children. Your child is at no greater risk of developing epilepsy in the future if they had a simple febrile convulsion.

What should I do when my child develops fever in the future?

To reduce the fever you can use medicines, such as paracetamol (Panadol, Dymadon or Tylenol) as directed. Remember that these medications will make your child feel better from the fever but they do not treat the infection that caused the fever. These medicines do not prevent the fit from occurring. You should take your child to see your local doctor if your child looks unwell or if the fever persists.

What should I do if my child has a convulsion in the future?

Remember, most fits will stop within seconds or a couple of minutes without any medical treatment.

• Stay calm.
• Look at your watch or a clock and time the convulsion.
• Do not try to restrain your child and do not put anything in their mouth.
• Stay with your child and lie them on their side.
• Loosen tight clothing from around the neck and move objects away that may cause injury.
• Arrange to see your local doctor/general practitioner after the convulsion has stopped.

Call an ambulance (phone 000) if:

• the fit last more than 5 minutes
• another fit starts up after the first one stops
• your child has difficulty breathing or looks particularly unwell.

Why is my child sleepy after the episode?

Your child's brain will become tired after the fit and your child will need time to recover. If your child remains drowsy or difficult to rouse after sleep, you should seek medical attention.

Is there any treatment available if my child has more frequent febrile convulsions at home?

There is a medication called Midazolam that is sometimes recommended for children who have frequent febrile convulsions or if the child has a history of febrile convulsions that last longer then 5 minutes. Most children do not require this medication. If you would like more information about this treatment you should talk with your doctor.

Are there any other medications available to prevent febrile convulsions?

Yes, however these medications have to be taken every day and they can have serious side effects. Because the outlook for children with febrile convulsions is so good, these regular medications are rarely necessary.

The Children's Hospital at Westmead Tel: (02) 9845 3585 Fax: (02) 9845 3562 www.chw.edu.au	Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Tel: (02) 9382 1688 Fax: (02) 9382 1451 www.sch.edu.au	Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network Tel: (02) 4921 3670 Fax: (02) 4921 3599 www.kaleidoscope.org.au