Understanding Febrile Seizures in Children
Understanding Febrile Seizures in Children
Understanding Febrile Seizures in Children
By Dr. Ankit Mehta, Pediatric Emergency & Critical Care Specialist, Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
One of the scariest experiences for any parent is watching their child suddenly stiffen, jerk, or roll their eyes during a fever. It feels like something out of a nightmare. But as a pediatrician specializing in emergency and critical care, I want to assure you: most febrile seizures are not dangerous and do not cause permanent harm. In this article, I will break down febrile seizures in simple terms—what they are, why they happen, how to respond, and when to seek help.
A febrile seizure is a convulsion (or fit) that occurs in children between 6 months and 5 years of age, triggered by fever (typically above 100.4°F or 38°C). The child may lose consciousness, have jerking movements of the arms and legs, or become stiff. It usually lasts 1–5 minutes and is terrifying to watch, but rarely dangerous.
There are two types:
Why Do Febrile Seizures Happen?
It’s not how high the fever goes, but how quickly it rises that often triggers the seizure. It’s like the body’s thermostat rises too fast and causes a circuit overload in the brain.
What Happens During a Febrile Seizure?
Important: The child does NOT choke on their tongue. Do NOT try to put anything in their mouth.
What Should You Do During a Febrile Seizure?
Can Febrile Seizures Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent them, but you can:
Example: One family I treated from Anand began tracking their son’s temperature every 4 hours during viral fevers. They noticed when his temperature would spike and started giving paracetamol just before the rise. Their son hasn’t had a seizure since.
Will My Child Have Epilepsy Later?
Most children outgrow febrile seizures by age 5. The chance of developing epilepsy later is very small (1-2% in most cases). Risk is slightly higher if:
Simple febrile seizures usually don’t need any tests. But if it’s a complex seizure or a first-time event, your pediatrician may advise:
Routine anti-epileptic drugs are not needed for simple febrile seizures. Sometimes, a rescue medicine like Midazolam nasal spray is prescribed to use at home if a seizure lasts over 3–5 minutes.
I always reassure families: “This is not your fault.” Many parents feel guilt or fear. But febrile seizures are common in Indian children and usually harmless.
Talk to your doctor. Learn to recognize signs. Prepare a fever plan. That’s the best defense.
Febrile seizures can be frightening, but they are usually benign and manageable. Education and preparation can turn fear into confidence. I always say, “Be alert, not afraid.”
Let us, your pediatric team, walk this journey with you. With awareness, most children with febrile seizures grow up healthy, active, and seizure-free.
Dr. Ankit Mehta
Consultant Pediatrician & Pediatric Intensivist
Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad
Member, Indian Academy of Pediatrics
A Doctor Who Cares
Parents consistently praise Dr. Mehta’s deep medical knowledge, precise diagnosis, and a minimal-medication approach that supports children’s natural immunity. He’s known not just for treating symptoms, but for addressing root causes with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Mehta takes the time to listen patiently, educate parents, and follow up personally—even after the consultation is over. Parents say he’s always just a message or call away, no matter the hour.
Children feel at ease with Dr. Mehta thanks to his friendly, caring demeanor, which builds trust and cooperation. Many families describe him as more than a doctor—a friend to their child.
Whether it’s critical care or sudden illness, Dr. Mehta has a proven track record of saving lives through timely intervention and calm leadership, even during emergencies.
In an age where many doctors feel distant, Dr. Mehta breaks the mold. He’s praised for being approachable, proactive, and emotionally supportive, often guiding parents through difficult times beyond medical advice.