Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

As we enter the cold and flu season, many adults will experience fevers associated with viral illnesses. When a child’s fever is high they are also at risk for febrile seizures — the most common type of seizure affecting children aged 6 months to 5 years. Let’s look more closely at this common pediatric health condition.

What is a febrile seizure? Febrile seizures are associated with high fevers or a rapid rise in a child’s body temperature. There are two types of febrile seizures. A simple febrile seizure lasts less than 15 minutes, involves shaking or convulsions of the entire body and does not recur in the next 24 hours. A complex febrile seizure lasts longer, tends to recur and is focused on a portion of the body, such as an arm or a leg. It should be noted that febrile seizures are not an indication of epilepsy or necessarily a precursor to a life history of seizures.

What is the treatment? Fevers should be treated with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. While recent research from the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that treating a fever with acetaminophen and ibuprofen may not prevent a seizure, these medications do assist in lowering the child’s fever.

During a seizure, do not restrain the child, but clear the area of dangerous objects and ensure the child’s airway is clear. If vomiting occurs, place the child on his or her side.

Once the seizure has stopped, the child should visit a health professional in order to identify the source of the fever and eliminate more serious causes such as meningitis and encephalitis. If a bacterial illness is identified, antibiotics will be prescribed.

While studies have shown that antiseizure medications used to treat epilepsy will prevent a febrile seizure, this is not recommended for a child on a routine basis. Valium has been used effectively to stop epileptic seizures and may be prescribed preventatively in certain cases where children develop febrile seizures with every fever. This course of treatment is determined by a health care provider and used with caution.

If your child experiences a febrile seizure, do your best to prevent injury during the seizure then seek prompt medical treatment. And remember, febrile seizures do not necessarily indicate a life long tendency to experience seizures.