Febrile Seizures

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Occur with high temperature in children
Usually affect children 6 months to 6 years
Typically last 2-3 minutes
Not usually serious or harmful
Not the same as epilepsy

Overview

A febrile seizure (also called a febrile convulsion or fit) can occur when a child has a high temperature. These seizures can be alarming for parents but are generally not serious and rarely cause lasting harm. They are most common in children between 6 months and 6 years old. Febrile seizures are triggered by a fever, often due to an underlying infection. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's related to the brain's response to a rapid rise in body temperature. Most febrile seizures do not require specific treatment, but medical attention is important, especially for a first seizure. Hospital checks may be needed to rule out other causes and manage any underlying infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Body stiffens and twitches
Shaking or jerking movements
Loss of consciousness
Unresponsive to voice or sight
Vomiting or wetting themselves
Sleepy, irritable, or confused afterwards

Things That Increase the Risk

High body temperature (fever)
Age between 6 months and 6 years
Presence of an infection
History of previous febrile seizures

Diagnosis

Clinical observation of seizure
Medical history and physical exam
Blood tests
Urine test
Lumbar puncture (spinal fluid check)

Treatment & Management

Keep child safe during seizure
Protect head with soft material
Remove nearby dangerous objects
Place in recovery position after seizure
Hospital check for first seizure
Medicine for recurrent seizures (rare)

Prevention

Cannot prevent occurrence directly
Promptly treat underlying infections
Monitor child's temperature during illness
Seek medical advice for fevers

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Febrile Seizures: