What Parents Should Know About Febrile Seizure Recurrence
- posted: Sep. 25, 2025
At Precision Epilepsy, led by Dr. John Millichap, we provide families with expert care for pediatric epilepsy and seizure management through telehealth. Based in Chicago, IL, Dr. Millichap supports families across multiple states, offering guidance on conditions like febrile seizures and helping parents know what to expect. One of the most common questions parents have is whether a febrile seizure might happen again.
Understanding Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur when children develop a high temperature, usually between six months and five years of age. They can be frightening in the moment, but they are typically short and do not cause lasting harm. Febrile seizures are fairly common, especially in children who have a family history of the condition.
Risk of Recurrence
After a child has experienced a febrile seizure, there is a chance another may occur. Research shows that about one-third to one-half of children will have a second episode, most often within the first year or two. The risk is greater if the first seizure happened at a younger age, if close relatives have had febrile seizures, or if the child’s fever was not very high during the first episode.
How Parents Can Prepare
While most febrile seizures end on their own within a few minutes, being prepared can reduce fear and keep children safe. Parents can monitor their child closely when fevers develop, use fever-reducing medications as directed, and have a plan in place if another seizure occurs. Staying calm, placing the child safely on the floor, and knowing when to seek emergency care are key steps.
When to Seek Medical Care
Although febrile seizures are generally not dangerous, it is important to contact your pediatrician or a pediatric epilepsy specialist after the first event. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, involves unusual movements, or the child struggles to recover afterward, immediate medical attention is needed.
Support for Families Through Telehealth
At Precision Epilepsy in Chicago, IL, Dr. John Millichap provides families across multiple states with personalized education and support about febrile seizure recurrence. Through telehealth, parents can access expert guidance from home, helping them feel reassured and prepared.
To schedule a telehealth consultation with Dr. Millichap, call Precision Epilepsy at 833-530-3034. Visit our website to learn more about the states we serve and how we can help your family manage febrile seizure care with confidence.
- posted: Sep. 25, 2025
At Precision Epilepsy, led by Dr. John Millichap, we provide families with expert care for pediatric epilepsy and seizure management through telehealth. Based in Chicago, IL, Dr. Millichap supports families across multiple states, offering guidance on conditions like febrile seizures and helping parents know what to expect. One of the most common questions parents have is whether a febrile seizure might happen again.
Understanding Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur when children develop a high temperature, usually between six months and five years of age. They can be frightening in the moment, but they are typically short and do not cause lasting harm. Febrile seizures are fairly common, especially in children who have a family history of the condition.
Risk of Recurrence
After a child has experienced a febrile seizure, there is a chance another may occur. Research shows that about one-third to one-half of children will have a second episode, most often within the first year or two. The risk is greater if the first seizure happened at a younger age, if close relatives have had febrile seizures, or if the child’s fever was not very high during the first episode.
How Parents Can Prepare
While most febrile seizures end on their own within a few minutes, being prepared can reduce fear and keep children safe. Parents can monitor their child closely when fevers develop, use fever-reducing medications as directed, and have a plan in place if another seizure occurs. Staying calm, placing the child safely on the floor, and knowing when to seek emergency care are key steps.
When to Seek Medical Care
Although febrile seizures are generally not dangerous, it is important to contact your pediatrician or a pediatric epilepsy specialist after the first event. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, involves unusual movements, or the child struggles to recover afterward, immediate medical attention is needed.
Support for Families Through Telehealth
At Precision Epilepsy in Chicago, IL, Dr. John Millichap provides families across multiple states with personalized education and support about febrile seizure recurrence. Through telehealth, parents can access expert guidance from home, helping them feel reassured and prepared.
To schedule a telehealth consultation with Dr. Millichap, call Precision Epilepsy at 833-530-3034. Visit our website to learn more about the states we serve and how we can help your family manage febrile seizure care with confidence.
