​A febrile seizure is caused by a fever spike (usually more than 38.3°C).

​A seizure usually consists of eyes uprolling, frothing at the mouth, stiffening and jerking of the upper and lower limbs and loss of consciousness. Most febrile seizures stop spontaneously within 5 minutes and the child regains consciousness thereafter. Infrequently, the seizure may last longer than 30 minutes.

​Most parents will use fever-lowering medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen during a child's illness. However, these medications will only offer symptom relief and make the child feel more comfortable. Studies have shown that they do not reduce the chance of a febrile seizure.

Doctors do not recommend taking anti-seizure medications to prevent recurrence of febrile seizure as these regular medications have potential side effects and do not outweigh the benefits. As febrile seizures are usually short-lived and harmless, anti-seizure medications will not be recommended routinely.

Anti-convulsants are rarely prescribed unless your child has other neurological problems. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

​What should I do when my child is having a seizure?

• Keep calm.
  
• Loosen your child's clothing.
  
• Turn your child to the side to drain anything in his or her mouth to prevent choking.
  
• Put something flat and soft under your child's head if this is available.
  
• Move items like sharp objects or furniture away so that your child will not injure himself or herself.
  
• Do not try to hold your child's tongue down with a spoon or any other objects.
  
• Do not try to bring your child around by slapping, shaking or pouring water on him or her.
  
• Do not give your child anything to drink.
  
• Do not hold your child down or restrain him or her in any way.
  
• Stay with your child until his or her breathing is normal and he or she is awake again.
  
• Remember that your child may feel irritable and tired following a seizure. Make a special effort to be calm and reassuring afterward.
  
• Take note of the type and duration of the seizure as this is important.
  

Bring your child to the Children's Emergency immediately if your child:

• Has his or her first episode of febrile seizure.
  
• Has a stiff neck.
  
• Becomes confused or delirious.
  
• Has a change in behaviour or appears persistently drowsy more than 30 minutes after the febrile seizure.
  
• Appears unwell.
  
• Has more than one seizure in a day.
  
• Has a seizure that lasts for more than 5 minutes continuously. Administer rectal diazepam on your child as prescribed by your doctor if it is available.