Convulsions caused by a fever are not unusual in young children. These convulsions, called febrile seizures, affect approximately one in every 25 children, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. While febrile seizures aren't usually a sign of a serious problem, any child who has had a seizure should be examined by a doctor, who will determine the cause of the fever.
Symptoms
Febrile seizures occur most often in babies over 6 months of age, toddlers and young children. Seizures usually occur during the initial 24 hours of an illness and may be the first indication that your child is ill. During the seizure, you may notice that your child's muscles may stiffen or jerk suddenly. The seizure may affect part of your child's body or his entire body. Some children may only experience mild seizures, which can be seen as a slight stiffening of the arms or legs or rolling of the eyes. Seizures may last one or two seconds to as long as 10 minutes, and may be accompanied by moaning, vomiting or urination. After the febrile seizure ends, your child may seem confused or tired.
Risk Factors
Your child may be at increased risk of developing a febrile seizure if her fever is caused by a viral upper respiratory infection, an ear infection or roseola. Roseola is a viral infection that causes a high fever and rash. Rarely, meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain, can trigger a febrile seizure. Your child is likely to have more than one seizure if there is a family history of seizures, the first seizure happened before 1 year of age or the seizure occurred with a fever below 102 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Medline Plus.
During a Seizure
Placing a blanket or soft pad under your child can help him avoid injury if he is lying on a hard surface when the seizure occurs. You can't stop a seizure by restraining your child and this may only lead to injury for you or your child. As long as your child is in a safe place, he will usually not suffer any lasting damage from the seizure. Place your child on his side if he vomits or seems to have trouble breathing. Your child cannot swallow his tongue during a seizure. Don't handle his tongue or mouth during the seizure or place an object in your child's mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue. He may swallow objects placed in his mouth or may accidentally bite you.
Treatment
Giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce the fever, but won't stop seizures. Identifying and treating the illness causing the fever is an important part of the treatment process. If your child has recurrent seizures, your doctor may suggest that you give her the prescription medication diazepam when she has a fever. Diazepam is a medication that controls seizures, muscle spasms and anxiety. Your doctor may not wish to prescribe this medication unless seizures occur frequently because diazepam can cause certain side effects, including drowsiness and trouble coordinating movements.
