What Parents Should Know About Febrile Seizures in Children

Febrile-Seizures-in-notes-and-with-stethoscope-and-aspirin.

At Precision Epilepsy, led by Dr. John Millichap, we provide expert telehealth care to families in Chicago, IL, and across multiple states. As a pediatric epilepsy specialist, Dr. Millichap understands how alarming it can be for parents to witness a febrile seizure in their child. While these seizures are often frightening, they are usually not harmful. Here’s what you need to know to feel more prepared and confident.

What Are Febrile Seizures?

Febrile seizures are seizures triggered by a fever, typically in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. They are not caused by epilepsy but rather by a child’s developing brain reacting to a rapid rise in body temperature.

During a febrile seizure, a child may lose consciousness, shake or jerk their arms and legs, or stiffen. Most febrile seizures last less than five minutes and do not cause permanent harm. Although they can be scary to witness, they are relatively common and often resolve on their own.

What to Do During a Febrile Seizure

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, stay calm and take the following steps:

  • Gently place your child on their side on a flat surface to prevent choking.
  • Move nearby objects to keep your child safe from injury.
  • Do not place anything in your child’s mouth or try to restrain their movements.
  • Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911 immediately.

Once the seizure ends, monitor your child and contact your pediatrician for further instructions.

What Makes Febrile Seizures Different From Epilepsy?

Unlike epilepsy, febrile seizures are not caused by an underlying neurological disorder. Most children who have febrile seizures do not go on to develop epilepsy. However, if your child experiences frequent febrile seizures or has a family history of epilepsy, follow-up care with a pediatric epilepsy specialist like Dr. Millichap can help determine whether additional evaluation is necessary.

When to Call Your Doctor

After any febrile seizure, it’s important to contact your child’s doctor to identify the source of the fever and rule out serious infections. If seizures occur frequently or last longer than usual, a specialist may recommend further testing or monitoring.

Schedule a Telehealth Consultation Today

If you have concerns about febrile seizures or your child’s neurological health, Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy is here to help. Families in Chicago, IL, and across multiple states can schedule a telehealth consultation by calling 833-530-3034. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.

Febrile-Seizures-in-notes-and-with-stethoscope-and-aspirin.

At Precision Epilepsy, led by Dr. John Millichap, we provide expert telehealth care to families in Chicago, IL, and across multiple states. As a pediatric epilepsy specialist, Dr. Millichap understands how alarming it can be for parents to witness a febrile seizure in their child. While these seizures are often frightening, they are usually not harmful. Here’s what you need to know to feel more prepared and confident.

What Are Febrile Seizures?

Febrile seizures are seizures triggered by a fever, typically in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. They are not caused by epilepsy but rather by a child’s developing brain reacting to a rapid rise in body temperature.

During a febrile seizure, a child may lose consciousness, shake or jerk their arms and legs, or stiffen. Most febrile seizures last less than five minutes and do not cause permanent harm. Although they can be scary to witness, they are relatively common and often resolve on their own.

What to Do During a Febrile Seizure

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, stay calm and take the following steps:

  • Gently place your child on their side on a flat surface to prevent choking.
  • Move nearby objects to keep your child safe from injury.
  • Do not place anything in your child’s mouth or try to restrain their movements.
  • Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911 immediately.

Once the seizure ends, monitor your child and contact your pediatrician for further instructions.

What Makes Febrile Seizures Different From Epilepsy?

Unlike epilepsy, febrile seizures are not caused by an underlying neurological disorder. Most children who have febrile seizures do not go on to develop epilepsy. However, if your child experiences frequent febrile seizures or has a family history of epilepsy, follow-up care with a pediatric epilepsy specialist like Dr. Millichap can help determine whether additional evaluation is necessary.

When to Call Your Doctor

After any febrile seizure, it’s important to contact your child’s doctor to identify the source of the fever and rule out serious infections. If seizures occur frequently or last longer than usual, a specialist may recommend further testing or monitoring.

Schedule a Telehealth Consultation Today

If you have concerns about febrile seizures or your child’s neurological health, Dr. John Millichap at Precision Epilepsy is here to help. Families in Chicago, IL, and across multiple states can schedule a telehealth consultation by calling 833-530-3034. Visit our website to see which states are currently served.