Febrile Seizure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

 

A febrile seizure is a convulsive episode that commonly happens in children who have a high fever, often triggered by an infection. These seizures typically occur in young, healthy children with normal development and no previous neurological symptoms.

Although witnessing your child having a febrile seizure can be alarming and may appear life-threatening, it's important to know that they are usually harmless. Febrile seizures typically last only a few minutes and do not necessarily indicate a serious underlying health issue.

During a febrile seizure, you can help ensure your child's safety by taking certain precautions and providing comfort afterwards. It is advisable to contact your doctor promptly to have your child evaluated following a febrile seizure. They can offer guidance and determine if any further medical attention or tests are necessary. Lets take a detailed look at signs and symptoms of Febrile Seizure.

 

Febrile Seizure Symptoms 

Typically, during a febrile seizure, a kid experiences generalized shaking throughout their body and may lose consciousness. In some cases, the child might exhibit stiffness or twitching in a specific area of their body.

a. Higher fever

b. Lose consciousness

c. Shake or jerk the arms and legs

 

Febrile Seizure Causes 

Usually, a higher-than-normal body temperature causes febrile seizures. Even a low-grade fever can trigger a febrile seizure.

 

Infection

Febrile seizures are typically triggered by fevers, commonly caused by viral infections and less frequently by bacterial infections. Among the viral infections, the flu (influenza) virus and the virus responsible for roseola are often linked to febrile seizures, especially when accompanied by high fevers. These infections are the most commonly observed culprits associated with febrile seizures.

 

Post-Vaccination Seizures

Febrile seizures, which are seizures associated with fever, may occur more frequently after certain childhood vaccinations. These vaccinations include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. It's important to note that a child may experience a mild fever following a vaccination, and it is the fever itself, rather than the vaccine, that can potentially trigger a seizure.

 

Febrile Seizure Diagnosis

Febrile seizures typically occur in children who have normal development. To determine the likelihood of epilepsy or other underlying risk factors, your doctor will thoroughly examine your child's medical and developmental history. In the case of normally developing children, the first step after a febrile seizure is to identify the cause of the fever.

 

Types of Febrile Seizure:

1. Simple febrile seizures. 

2. Complex febrile seizures.

 

Simple Febrile Seizures

The most common type of seizure, known as simple febrile seizures, typically last from a few seconds up to 15 minutes. It's important to note that these seizures do not happen again within a 24-hour period and are not specific to any particular body part.

For children who are up to date with their vaccinations and experience a first simple febrile seizure, testing may not be necessary. In such cases, doctors can diagnose the febrile seizure based on the child's medical history and the circumstances surrounding the seizure. However, for children with a delayed vaccination schedule or a weakened immune system, additional tests may be recommended to rule out potentially severe infections. 

 

Complex Febrile Seizures

In order to determine the underlying cause of a complex febrile seizure, your doctor may suggest additional diagnostic tests. One such test is an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures the electrical activity in the brain. This test can help assess if there are any abnormal brain patterns or epileptic activity contributing to the seizure. Additionally, your doctor might recommend a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to examine your child's brain in more detail. 

This type of febrile seizure lasts for a duration longer than 15 minutes, happens more than once within a 24-hour period, or affects only one side of your child's body. 

This imaging technique can help identify any structural abnormalities or lesions that may be associated with the seizure. An MRI might be particularly recommended if your child has shown signs of an abnormal neurological evaluation, symptoms of increased pressure within the skull, or if the febrile seizure lasted an unusually long time.

 

Febrile Seizure Treatments

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, it's important to remain calm and take the following steps. Firstly, place your child on their side on a soft, flat surface to prevent any risk of falling. Next, start timing the seizure to keep track of its duration. 

Stay close to your child, offering reassurance and comfort during the episode. Ensure that there are no hard or sharp objects near your child that could cause injury. Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing to promote comfort and ease of breathing. It's crucial not to restrain your child or interfere with their movements. Additionally, avoid putting anything in your child's mouth as it can be potentially hazardous.

However, there are certain circumstances when you should seek emergency medical attention. If the febrile seizure lasts longer than five minutes, it's important to call for immediate medical help or book an appointment with a medical specialist doctor.