Febrile seizure (seizure in a person with a fever)
About Febrile seizure (seizure in a person with a fever)
A convulsion in young children caused by a rapid increase in body temperature, often from an infection. They are usually not serious but can be frightening for parents. A febrile seizure does not mean the child's brain is abnormal or that the child will develop epilepsy later in life.Symptoms
Fever, convulsions, unconsciousness, incontinence, tongue laceration.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests may be recommended to search for a source of infection or other causes for the fever and seizure.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, Urinalysis (UA).
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment includes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is found or suspected. Hospital admission may be recommended if a child does not recover when the fever subsides, for serious infections, or if there are multiple seizures.Medical specialties
Pediatrics
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Febrile seizure (seizure in a person with a fever).