Understanding Febrile Seizures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Febrile seizures are a common and often frightening experience for parents and caregivers of young children. They occur as a result of a fever and are typically seen in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. In this blog, we will discuss what febrile seizures are, why they happen, important points to keep in mind, symptoms, and treatment options.
What are febrile seizures?
Febrile seizures are seizures that occur as a result of a fever. They are the most common type of seizure seen in children, with an estimated 2-5% of children experiencing at least one febrile seizure before the age of 5. Febrile seizures are typically brief and self-limited, lasting only a few minutes and do not cause any long-term damage.
Why do febrile seizures happen?
The exact reason why febrile seizures happen is not completely understood. However, research suggests that they may be related to the rapid increase in body temperature that can occur with a fever. Some children may have a genetic predisposition to febrile seizures, and a family history of febrile seizures can increase a child’s risk of developing them.
Important points to keep in mind:
If your child has a febrile seizure, it can be a frightening experience. However, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps to help protect your child:
Make sure the child is lying on their side to prevent choking.
Remove any objects that could harm the child.
Check the child’s breathing to make sure they are breathing normally.
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call for emergency medical assistance.
Symptoms of febrile seizures:
The symptoms of febrile seizures can vary, but may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Shaking or jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Stiffening of the body
- Rolling of the eyes
- Clenching of the teeth
- Breathing difficulties
- Blueness around the lips
- Treatment for febrile seizures:
Most febrile seizures do not require treatment, as they are self-limited and do not cause any long-term damage. However, it is important to follow up with your child’s doctor after a febrile seizure to determine the cause of the fever and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Treatment for febrile seizures may include:
1. Administration of antiepileptic medication:
Inj Diazepam 0.2 mg /kg iv to be given very slowly.May repeat after 3-5 min if needed.
Diazepam suppository can be given per rectal if needed.
2 Tepid sponging + paracetamol ( 10-15 mg/kg/dose ) .Check GRBS.
3 Oxygen inhalation. Clothing around the neck should be loosened.
4 Semi-prone position and throat suctioning
5 Protect the child from injury. Keep under observation for some time. Monitor vitals.
Prescription on discharge as prophylaxis
1 Syrup paracetamol 4 times a day
2. Syp Diazepam for first 2 days of fever/Tab Frisium if diazepam fails
3. Tepid sponging if needed
The above 3 instructions are to be followed for the 1st two days whenever there is a fever.
If the child has an associated infection, antibiotics should be taken.
All children below 1 yr – 1 ½ yr. presenting with the first episode of febrile seizures should be referred to a higher center after initial treatment as a Lumbar puncture is indicated.
In conclusion, febrile seizures are a common and often frightening experience for parents and caregivers of young children. However, they are typically self-limited and do not cause any long-term damage. If your child experiences a febrile seizure, it is important to remain calm and take steps to protect your child. Follow up with your child’s doctor to determine the cause of the fever and to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Treatment options may include lowering the child’s fever or administering anticonvulsant medication in some cases.
