FEBRILE CONVULSIONS

A febrile convulsion is triggered off by a rapidly rising temperature (to over 38 degrees centigrade); febrile means "related to fever". Febrile convulsions are quite common in young children. As many as one in every 20 children has a febrile convulsion between the ages of one and four. However, most of these children will not have any further problems with convulsions after the age of four. Parents often feel frightened and helpless when their child has a febrile convulsion. There is no need to be.

Symptoms

You will probably observe a disturbance in all the muscles of your child's body, and usually there is loss of consciousness. This may be followed by a stiffening and rhythmical jerking of parts of the body. Eyes may roll up, and there may be frothing at the mouth and blueness around the lips. Breathing may appear shallow. Some children may wet themselves. The convulsion usually lasts between three to five minutes, after which the child recovers spontaneously.

Prevalence

Many young children between the ages of one and four will have a febrile convulsion, caused by a combination of a high temperature (common in childhood illnesses such as tonsillitis) and a young brain. Febrile convulsions are much less likely to occur after the age of four.

Many children only have one febrile convulsion. Some may have further febrile convulsions when ill with a high temperature. The tendency to have febrile convulsions can run in families.

Sometimes young children have convulsions for other reasons than a high temperature. Always seek medical advice to find out the cause of the convulsion.

Immediate treatment

It is important to prevent the temperature rising further, and to try to reduce the temperature. Remove clothing and sponge the child all over with tepid (not cold) water. Direct cool air on to the child by fanning. As soon as possible, turn the child on his/her side to ease breathing. The child may be confused after the convulsion and need reassurance.

Calling a doctor

A convulsion usually lasts between three to five minutes, after which the child recovers. The cause of the temperature rise needs prompt assessment by a doctor. If the convulsion is prolonged, or if the child has a series of convulsions in quick succession, then immediate medical help must be sought.

Medication

There is a risk that a child who has had a febrile convulsion may have another one in similar circumstances. For this reason, your doctor may consider giving medication until your child is older and is less at risk.

Epilepsy

Febrile convulsions are not usually classified as epilepsy. Most children who have a febrile convulsion do not have any further problems relating to convulsions or seizures after the age of four. Febrile convulsions happen because of a unique combination of a young brain and a high temperature. However, some children who have had very frequent or prolonged convulsions may go on to have established epilepsy.

Summary

If your child has a febrile convulsion:

• keep calm
• cool your child
• turn your child on to his/her side
• reassure him or her
• get medical help promptly

Do not give a child with a fever extra clothes and blankets, or a hot water bottle. Do not panic - most convulsions are over quickly, and do not create long-term problems.