Febrile convulsions, also referred to as febrile seizures, are the most common type of convulsion or seizure that occur during early childhood, with the average onset being 18 to 22 months of age, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Fevers associated with a variety of diseases and conditions in infants are the cause of these convulsions. While most of these convulsions persist for just a minute or two, some can last for longer than 15 minutes or as short as a few seconds, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Ear Infection
An ear infection is a condition in which a part of the ear is infected and inflamed, with the middle ear being most often affected, according to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms may include an earache or ear pain, feeling ill, diarrhea, feeling of fullness in the ear, vomiting and hearing loss in the affected ear. All infants with an ear infection must be evaluated by a doctor. Treatments may include antibiotics and surgery for more severe or recurrent cases.
Roseola
This condition is characterized by an acute skin rash and high fever. The human herpes virus 6 is responsible for causing this condition and it is most often seen in children between 6 months and 1 year old, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms may include a sore throat, fever, red eyes, skin rash, runny nose and irritability. There is no treatment for roseola. Controlling the fever using cool sponge baths and acetaminophen at a dose the doctor suggests may be done. If the infant experiences febrile convulsions, he or she should be taken to the emergency room, according to MedlinePlus.
Viral Upper Respiratory Infection
Also referred to as the common cold, this condition is characterized by the membranes located in the throat and nose lining becoming inflamed. Infants may experience difficulty sleeping, nasal congestion, fever, fussiness, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Treating this condition may involve drinking more fluids, staying away from smoke and medications, such as acetaminophen. If an infant needs acetaminophen, only a medical a doctor can determine the dose and no parent should administer this medication without their doctor's permission and instructions.
Meningitis
Meningitis only causes approximately 0.1 percent of all febrile convulsions, but should always be screened for, specifically in children less than 1 year of age, according to MedlinePlus. This condition occurs when the covering of the spinal cord and brain becomes inflamed. Viral infections are the most common cause, but bacteria can also cause this condition, and when bacteria is the cause, meningitis is extremely serious. Symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, agitation, reduction in consciousness, not feeding well, irritability, breathing rapidly, changes in mental status, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, infant soft spot bulging and abnormal posture, according to MedlinePlus. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics are prescribed. Fluids administered through a vein, other medications and staying in the hospital for observation may also be necessary.
