Febrile Seizure
Informed by recognized medical guidance
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or life-threatening, seek urgent medical care now.
Overview
A febrile seizure is a convulsion (uncontrolled shaking or jerking) that happens in a child who has a fever. It is not epilepsy and does not cause brain damage.
Key facts
- Febrile seizures are triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature.
- Most febrile seizures last less than 5 minutes and stop on their own.
- Having a febrile seizure does not mean your child will develop epilepsy.
Yes, febrile seizures are common. They occur in about 1 in every 25 children, usually between 6 months and 5 years of age.
Febrile seizures affect young children, most often between 12 and 18 months. They are slightly more common in boys than girls.
Symptoms
- Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Child does not wake up or is not breathing normally after the seizure
- Seizure happens again within 24 hours
- Child has a stiff neck, severe headache, or rash along with fever
- ⚠This is your child’s first febrile seizure
- ⚠Child is under 6 months old
- ⚠Child has a known health condition such as a heart problem or a brain condition
Common symptoms
- Loss of consciousness
- Jerking or stiffening of the arms and legs
- Eyes rolling back
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
Symptoms in children
- The child may cry or make a sound before losing consciousness.
- Breathing may become irregular or stop briefly.
- The skin may turn pale or slightly blue for a short time.
Symptoms in older adults
- Febrile seizures are extremely rare in older adults. A seizure with fever in an adult may be a sign of a different condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Causes
Main causes
- A rapid rise in body temperature, often due to an infection like a cold, flu, or ear infection.
- The fever itself, not the infection, triggers the seizure.
Risk factors
- Family history of febrile seizures
- Child between 6 months and 5 years old
- Certain vaccines can cause a fever that may rarely trigger a seizure (this is not harmful)
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- After any first febrile seizure, take your child to the doctor or emergency room to rule out serious infection.
- If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or your child has trouble breathing.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If your child has had a febrile seizure before and you have concerns or want advice on fever management.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about the seizure, take your child’s temperature, and do a physical exam to look for the source of the fever.
Tests that may be done
- Urine test to check for a urinary tract infection
- Blood tests to look for signs of infection
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for meningitis if the child is very young or looks very ill
What to expect at your appointment
Most children do not need any special scans. The doctor will focus on finding and treating the cause of the fever.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on managing the fever and any underlying infection. The seizure itself usually stops on its own and does not require medication in the moment.
Self-care at home
- Stay calm and time the seizure.
- Place your child on their side on a soft surface to keep the airway clear.
- Do not put anything in their mouth or try to hold them down.
- Remove any tight clothing and use a fan to keep the room cool.
- Give age-appropriate fever-reducing medicine as advised by your healthcare provider.
Medical treatments
If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, a doctor may give emergency medicine to stop it. Repeated or very long seizures may be treated with anticonvulsant medication, but this is rare.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is not used for febrile seizures.
Living with this condition
Children who have had a febrile seizure can live a completely normal life. Most will not have another seizure, though some may have 1 or 2 more in childhood.
Lifestyle tips
- Learn how to manage fevers at home with plenty of fluids, light clothing, and fever-reducing medicine as directed.
- Keep a calm environment during fevers.
- Teach family and caregivers what to do if a seizure happens.
Diet and exercise
No special diet or exercise restrictions are needed. Your child can play and eat normally.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Seeing a seizure can be very frightening for parents and siblings. It’s normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor about your worries and seek support from family or a counselor if needed.
Prevention
There is no proven way to prevent febrile seizures entirely. Managing fevers with medication may reduce the risk but does not guarantee prevention.
Vaccines
Some vaccines can cause a fever that rarely triggers a febrile seizure. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh this small risk. Vaccines do not cause epilepsy or brain damage.
Screening programmes
No routine screening is needed. Your doctor will advise if further investigation is required based on your child’s health.
Complications
If left untreated
- There are no long-term complications from a simple febrile seizure itself.
- The main concern is missing a serious infection like meningitis, so a medical check is important.
Long-term outlook
The outlook is excellent. Children with febrile seizures develop normally and have the same risk of epilepsy as other children. Most outgrow them by age 5.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS – Febrile Seizures ↗ · United Kingdom
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
Guidance may differ by country or region. Confirm local recommendations with a qualified healthcare provider.