FAQs on Febrile Seizure Causes, Consequences & Medications to Prevent

Imagine the plight when you see your little one having seizures due to fever or fever fits. But what are fever fits or febrile convulsions? Febrile convulsion is a seizure that occurs due to the fever. There could be numerous reasons for fever in children. We spoke with Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician Dr Himani Khanna from Artemis, Gurgaon, about Febrile Convulsion, its causes and concerns. Excerpts:

What is Febrile Convulsion?

Febrile seizure or convulsion is a condition where child has convulsion associated with fever due to any cause. Any illness that causes fever can cause a febrile seizure. It mostly occurs with common illnesses such as ear infection, cough, colds, flu and other viral infections. Usually there is a complete recovery with no permanent damage. The convulsion is treated by finding the cause of the fever and treating it. 

Check Frequently Asked Questions on Convulsion

Q: What age group of children are affected and what are the chances of a child suffering from this convulsion?

Answer: Usually children from the age of 1 month to 6 years are affected.  Approximately 3 in 100 children have febrile convulsions. They most commonly occur between the ages of 18 months and 3 years.

Also Read: Is it Possible Prevent Febrile Convulsion?

Q: Does it have Long-term Consequences?

Answer: Generally there are no long-term consequences, as there is a complete recovery with no after-effects. In most of the cases only one seizure occurs. In about 3 in 10 children may have recurrence during future febrile episodes and in 1 in 10 children who have had febrile seizure in past can have 3 or more seizure episodes during febrile periods.

A future febrile seizure is most likely to occur:

• Child has had the first episode at an early age less than 15 months
• There is a family history of febrile seizures in close relatives like father, mother, and sibling.

Q: Will my child have Epilepsy in Future?

Answer: Usually the convulsions stop occurring after 6 years of age. Febrile seizures and epilepsy are different entities. Only 1-2 per 100 children with febrile seizure go on to develop epilepsy, especially those with underlying neurological problems, and a family history of epilepsy.

Q: What Causes Febrile Seizure?

Answer: Febrile seizure occurs when normal brain activity is disturbed by fever. In infants and toddlers, because the brains are still immature they have propensity to have seizure during febrile episodes. Any illness that causes fever can cause febrile seizure.

Q: Is Febrile Convulsion Genetic?

Answer: Yes, it is genetic, as propensity to have seizure during fever runs in family.

Are any medications available to prevent febrile seizures?

Yes, however these medications are not for long term usage. These are intermittent anticonvulsant therapy for 2/3 days during febrile episodes. Read Solutions of Febrile Convulsions

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