Fever with seizures in infants

Fever with seizures (febrile seizures) in infants

Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years in the context of high temperature, without signs of neuroinfection (meningitis) or other neurological problems. This can be extremely frightening for parents, but it is important to know that simple febrile seizures are usually not life‑threatening and do not cause brain damage.

What do febrile seizures look like?

Usually the episode starts at the very beginning of the fever, with a rapid rise in temperature. The child may:

• Lose consciousness.
• Become stiff, arch the back.
• Start rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs.
• Roll the eyes.

Simple febrile seizures last from a few seconds up to 5 minutes (although to parents it may feel like an eternity), are generalized (involve the whole body) and do not recur within 24 hours.

Why do they occur?

The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be a reaction of the immature brain to a rapid increase in temperature. There is a genetic predisposition: if parents or close relatives have had febrile seizures, the child's risk is higher. It is important to understand that this is not epilepsy.

What should parents do during an episode?

Your primary priority is the child's safety.

1. Stay calm.
2. Place the child on their side on a flat, safe surface (e.g., the floor).
3. Do not try to restrain movements, open the jaws, or put anything in the mouth.
4. Do not perform mouth‑to‑mouth ventilation (unless the child stops breathing after the seizure ends).
5. After the episode ends, be sure to call emergency services or see a doctor, so they can examine the child and rule out other, more serious causes of seizures.

Read our guide on how to properly reduce high fever.