Febrile Convulsions — Reference Guide

Febrile Convulsions

Learn how to recognize and respond to febrile seizures in children

Febrile convulsions (or febrile seizures) are seizures triggered by a high temperature (fever), usually in children aged 6 months to 5 years. They are frightening but usually not harmful or long-lasting.

? Recognising a Febrile Convulsion

The child may:

Suddenly lose consciousness
Have stiffened limbs or body
Experience jerking or twitching movements
Roll their eyes back
Have difficulty breathing or go pale/blue
Wet or soil themselves
Be sleepy or confused after the convulsion

⏱️ Typical Duration

Most last less than 5 minutes.
A child may be drowsy for an hour afterwards.

? Treatment

1️⃣ Stay Calm and Time the Seizure

Start timing as soon as it begins.
Do not restrain the child.

2️⃣ Protect the Child

Move objects away from the child.
Place them on the floor or soft surface.
Cushion their head with something soft (e.g., folded clothing).

3️⃣ Lay the Child on Their Side

When the convulsion stops, place the child in the recovery position.
This keeps the airway clear and prevents choking.

4️⃣ Cool the Fever — Gently

After the seizure ends:

Remove excess clothing.
Use a fan or cool room to lower body temperature.
Give paracetamol or ibuprofen (never both together unless advised).
Do not sponge with cold water — it may cause shivering and increase the temperature.

❌ Do Not

Do not put anything in their mouth.
Do not try to restrain their movements.
Do not give any medicine during the seizure.

☎️ Call 999 / 112 Immediately If:

The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
The child does not regain consciousness.
It is the first ever seizure.
The child has difficulty breathing after the seizure.
Another seizure occurs soon after.
The child is under 6 months.

?‍⚕️ Aftercare

Monitor the child’s temperature and keep them hydrated.
Seek medical advice — even if the seizure stops quickly.
Keep a record of what happened (duration, movements, symptoms).

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