Febrile Seizures: Quick Guide for Parents

Seeing your child shake up in the middle of a fever is scary, but most febrile seizures are harmless. Below you’ll find the basics—what they are, how to spot one, and what you can do to keep future scares to a minimum.

Spotting a Febrile Seizure

Febrile seizures usually strike kids between 6 months and 5 years, often when the fever climbs above 102°F (38.9°C). The first sign is a sudden loss of consciousness followed by jerking movements of the arms and legs. Some children also drool, turn pale, or stare blankly for a few seconds. The episode typically lasts less than five minutes, and most stop on their own.

If you notice these signs, stay calm. Gently roll your child onto their side to keep airways clear and remove anything that could cause injury. Don’t try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth—those myths can do more harm than good.

Call a doctor right after the seizure if it lasts longer than five minutes, if your child has trouble breathing, or if this is their first seizure. Those situations need professional evaluation.

Managing and Preventing Future Episodes

After the seizure, the fever is the main culprit. Use age‑appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring the temperature down. Keep your child hydrated and dress them in lightweight clothing.

Doctors may suggest a brief course of anti‑fever medication if your child has had multiple seizures or a very high fever. Most children outgrow febrile seizures by the time they reach school age, and they rarely develop epilepsy.

To lower the chance of another seizure, watch for early fever signs and treat them promptly. Keep a thermometer handy and monitor temperature every few hours when your child feels hot.

Vaccinations, including the flu shot, can cause a low‑grade fever but the benefits far outweigh the small risk of a seizure. Talk to your pediatrician if you’re unsure about any vaccine schedule.

Remember, a single febrile seizure is usually not a red flag for long‑term problems. Focus on quick fever control, safe seizure handling, and routine pediatric check‑ups. When you know what to do, the fear drops and you can help your child recover faster.