A thermal seizure, commonly known as a febrile seizure or "fever fit," is a convulsion in young children (usually 6 months to 5 years old) triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, typically above 100.4°F (38°C). Often caused by viral infections, these seizures are generally harmless, last less than 5 minutes, and do not indicate epilepsy, though they can be very frightening for caregivers.

What can trigger a febrile seizure?

Febrile seizures are caused by a fever, usually from a common infection like the flu or ear infection, in young children (6 months to 5 years old), triggered by the body's immune response and a rapid temperature increase, potentially involving inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) affecting brain activity, with genetics also playing a role in susceptibility. It's not the fever level but the rapid change in temperature and the body's reaction to illness that sparks these usually harmless, short seizures, often happening within 24 hours of getting sick.
 

What is a heat seizure called?

A febrile seizure can happen when a child has a high temperature (fever). Your child may: become stiff and twitch, shake, or have jerking movements. become unconscious.

Who is most at risk for febrile seizures?

Most febrile seizures occur in children between 6 months and 5 years of age, with the greatest risk between 12 and 18 months of age. Family history. Some children inherit a family's tendency to have seizures with a fever. Additionally, researchers have linked several genes to a susceptibility to febrile seizures.

How long does a febrile seizure last?

Simple febrile seizures are the most common type. They last a few seconds up to 15 minutes, and happen only once in 24 hours. Complex febrile seizures either last longer than 15 minutes, happen more than once in 24 hours, or happen only on one part of a child's body. They may also be a combination of these.

The Difference between Seizures and Epilepsy

Should you go to the ER after a seizure?

Yes, you should go to the ER after a seizure if it's your first seizure, lasts over five minutes, involves breathing trouble, causes injury, or if the person is pregnant, diabetic, or remains unconscious/confused afterward, as these are signs of a medical emergency needing urgent evaluation to find the cause and rule out serious issues. For typical seizures that end quickly without complications, follow up with a doctor soon, but the first-time event always warrants ER attention to diagnose the root cause. 

What is the 5 minute rule for seizures?

The "5-minute rule" for seizures means that if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it's a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 (or local emergency number) assistance, as prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) can cause brain damage. Always time the seizure, call for help if it exceeds 5 minutes, if another seizure starts without full recovery, if the person has breathing issues, is injured, pregnant, diabetic, or if it's their first seizure, as these also warrant emergency care.

Can I let my child sleep after a febrile seizure?

You don't have to change your lifestyle or the way you care for your child after a febrile seizure. Your child can safely sleep in their own crib or bed. If your child is acting sick and has other signs of illness, follow their doctor or health care provider's advice as your normally would.

What is the rule of 3 for seizures?

The "Rule of 3" for seizures refers to two different concepts: a medical guideline for defining seizure freedom (wait 3 times the longest prior seizure interval) and first-aid steps (Stay, Safe, Side). Medically, the "Rule of Three-To-Six" suggests waiting three times the typical seizure interval to confirm seizure freedom after an intervention, but potentially longer (up to six times) if seizure risk is high, while clinically, the 3 S's (Stay, Safe, Side) guide first aid: Stay with the person, ensure they are Safe, and turn them on their Side for breathing.
 

What happens to the brain during a febrile seizure?

Febrile seizures are bursts of electrical activity in a child's brain that happen with a fever. They could occur with common childhood infections like the flu, an ear infection or chickenpox. They only last a few minutes and are usually harmless, but they can be alarming for parents and caregivers.

What not to do during febrile seizures?

It's also important to know what you should not do during a febrile seizure:

• Do not try to hold or restrain your child.
• Do not put anything in your child's mouth.
• Do not try to give your child fever-reducing medicine.
• Do not try to put your child into cool or lukewarm water to cool off.

What helps bring someone out of a seizure?

How to help someone who is having a seizure

• Remain calm. ...
• Keep the person safe. ...
• Turn the person onto their side if they are not awake or aware. ...
• Do not try to stop the person's movements or hold the person down. ...
• Stay with the person until they are fully awake and alert after the seizure.

Should a person sleep after a seizure?

After the seizure, stay and help: A person who has just had a seizure may need some time to recover from it. They may want something or need help figuring out where they are and what happened. Some people get very tired and would like to sleep right away. It is best to put them into the recovery position.

What is the most serious type of seizure?

Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, comprise two stages: a tonic phase and a clonic phase. These intense seizures can be frightening to experience or observe, as extreme muscle spasms may temporarily arrest breathing.

What are the three words for seizure first aid?

When administering seizure first aid, follow the three S's: Stay, Safe, Side. The procedure remains the same when helping people of any age who are experiencing a seizure.

What side do you lay on when having a seizure?

You don't want the person experiencing a seizure to fall or hit their head on a counter or a piece of furniture. The ideal situation is to get them to the floor and clear an area around them. Lay on the left. Once you have them on the floor, try to position them on their left side so if they vomit, they don't choke.

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