Febrile convulsions, or febrile seizures, occur in children from nine months to five years old, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Seizures are seen in conjunction with a fever with no other presenting signs of neurological complications or brain infections. Febrile seizures are usually the result of upper respiratory or ear infections and are more prevalent in toddlers. UMMC notes that febrile convulsions may run in families and are rarely indicative of epilepsy.
Emergency Treatment
A febrile seizure may present itself in various degrees of severity from full body involvement to simply rolling of the eyes. During the seizure, UMMC advises not to remove the child from the floor and put a blanket underneath, if possible. The child should only be moved if there is a chance of danger in the immediate vicinity. All clothes from the waist up, especially around the neck, need to be loosened. If vomiting occurs, or there is excessive saliva or mucus, roll the child onto the side to prevent choking. Do not restrain or put anything into the mouth.
Antipyretics
An antipyretic medication, such as an acetaminophen suppository, may be inserted into the child's rectum. Apply cool washcloths to the face and neck and lukewarm cloths to the body. Cold water or alcohol should not be used as it may increase the fever. Ibuprofen, an antipyretic, or acetaminophen may be given orally once the seizure is over and the child is awake. The University of Chicago states that after a febrile seizure most children are lethargic or fall asleep.
Anticonvulsants
If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes 911 should be called. If it ends quickly, drive the child to the emergency room. If the child is still seizuring after five minutes, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that anticonvulsant medications such as diazepam, valproic acid, primidone, phenobarbitol, phenytoin and carbmazapine, may be given by the physician. Diazepam is the only anticonvulsant that has shown to prevent recurring febrile convulsions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Febrile Seizures
- University of Chicago: Febrile Seizures; Gina Lowell; August 2005
- American Academy of Pediatricians: Clinical Practice Guidelines: Febrile Seizures: Clinical Practice Guideline for the; Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures; 2006
