Febrile convulsions

Febrile convulsions

What it is
Involuntary contractions of the muscles often associated with a high temperature. A few babies will have a fit or convulsion as a result of running a high temperature; this is alarming, but not usually dangerous.

Signs and symptoms
If your baby has a convulsion, she will go rigid, her arms and legs will jerk, her eyes will roll and she will lose consciousness.
What your doctor can do
Stop the fit quickly by giving your baby an injection. Advise you on how to minimise the risk of your baby having another fit.

What you can do
If your baby has a fit, you can protect him during the fit (see box right) and then seek help from your doctor or an A&E. If this is the first time your baby has had a fit, or the fit lasts more than five minutes go straight to A&E. Almost all children who have febrile convulsions grow out of them by the time they are five.
Coping with a febrile convulsion Febrile convulsions or fever fits are often caused by high temperatures:
they can be frightening to see but last only a few seconds or minutes, and do not usually cause any lasting harm
try not to panic. You can help him by staying calm
lay him in the recovery position, on the side with head titled back slightly so that the airway is clear
move any things that may harm him out of the way
don’t try to insert anything into his mouth. Biting the tongue is rare and you may break teeth
if he is sick, clear his mouth with your finger
open a window to cool him down and gently remove his outer clothes if you can
when he comes around he may be confused and need your reassurance
offer him some water, and let him rest.