Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued:  December 2024 

For review: December 206

Ref: A-664/NW/Child Health/Febrile Convulsion

PDF: Febrile convulsion.pdf [pdf] 228KB

What is a febrile convulsion?

A febrile convulsion is a seizure (fit) that can happen whilst a child has a high temperature (above 38C). Febrile convulsions normally happen in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.

Febrile convulsions are very common; about every 3 in 100 children will have at least one febrile convulsion by the age of six.

Your child may look hot and flushed. They may become dazed or confused. Your child may become stiff and their arms, legs and/or face may twitch or shake. Their eyes may roll backwards. This normally should last under 5 minutes. They may be incontinent. They may be sleepy afterwards but usually make a full recovery within one hour.

Causes of a Febrile Convulsion

Any illness that causes a high temperature (above 38C) can cause a febrile convulsion. It is not a type of epilepsy, and children normally make a full recovery. In most cases the convulsions only happen once, however, one in three children that have had a febrile convulsion will go on to have another.

What to do if my child has another convulsion

• Stay calm
• Lay them on their side with their head level or slightly lower than the body.
• Loosen their clothing (if around neck).
• Do not put anything in their mouth.
• Do not shake them.
• Note the time and duration if possible.
• Call 999 if their colour changes, they hold their breath for longer than 30 seconds, the convulsion is longer than 5 minutes, or you concerns.

Medications for a Fever

Your child.............received Paracetamol at.................                                   

You can give further doses at..................... Your child..........................received Ibuprofen at................        

You can give further doses at....................

Current advice for the treatment of fevers is that we should use medicines such as paracetamol and Ibuprofen to bring the temperature down, but only when your child is distressed by the fever. However, giving these medicines will not prevent febrile convulsions. If they are their normal self, happy and playing then the medicines are not required.

Current guidance does not recommend giving both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time, but rather, staggering doses if the first medicine doesn’t appear to be working.

When to see a doctor

If your child has another convulsion then please see a doctor, GP or emergency department. Call 999 if their colour changes, they hold their breath for longer than 30 seconds, the convulsion is longer than 5 minutes, or you have any other concerns

Please do not hesitate to contact the nurse or hospital doctor when within your 72 hours open access or contact your health visitor or GP for further advice outside of this time.

72 hours open access

Your child has been given 72 hours open access to the children’s assessment unit.

This enables you to contact a nurse/doctor if you are concerned about your child and need advice if the symptoms worsen or continue.

Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01752 430401 if within your 72 hours open access.

Should your child become unwell once the 72 hours open access has ended then please contact your GP or if necessary the emergency department.

In an emergency please call 999