16/03/2026
Are you aware that high fevers can lead to convulsions in children? Let's take a look at what Febrile convulsions are;
🌡️ FEBRILE CONVULSIONS IN CHILDREN 👶
What is it?
Febrile convulsions are seizures that happen in children when they have a high fever. They are common in children between 6 months and 5 years.
What happens in the body? (Pathophysiology)
When a child gets an infection, the body temperature rises. Some children's brains are sensitive to a sudden increase in fever, which can cause temporary abnormal brain activity leading to a seizure.
Signs and Symptoms
A child with febrile convulsion may:
• Suddenly lose consciousness
• Shake or jerk arms and legs
• Roll eyes upward
• Become stiff
• Be unresponsive for a few minutes
• Be very sleepy after the seizure
What should you do?
If it happens:
✅ Stay calm
✅ Lay the child on their side
✅ Remove nearby objects to prevent injury
✅ Take note of the time the seizure started
❌ Do NOT put anything in the child’s mouth
❌ Do NOT hold the child tightly
After the seizure stops, take the child to the hospital immediately.
Treatment
Doctors will treat the fever and the infection. Fever medicines like Paracetamol may be given. If the seizure lasts long, medicines like Diazepam may be used.
Possible Complications
Most children recover fully.
Rare complications include: Place Repeated febrile seizures
• Injury during the seizure
Prognosis
The good news is that most children outgrow febrile convulsions by age 5 and they usually do not cause brain damage.
💡 Advice to parents: Always manage fever early and seek medical care if a child develops a seizure.
