Every parent understands the distress that comes with a sick child. Even a minor illness like a cold can feel overwhelming when it’s your little one who’s suffering. Add a fever to the mix, and it can feel like a whole new level of concern.
Understanding fevers in young children can be quite perplexing. What exactly counts as a fever? How high is too high? Should you administer Tylenol or ibuprofen, or both? How often should you give it? And what do you do if the fever doesn’t respond to treatment? Thankfully, we now have digital thermometers and helpful triage nurses to guide us. However, there’s one symptom of fever that caught me completely off guard: febrile seizures.
It was an ordinary day in our home. My two boys, aged three and eighteen months, were happily playing in the living room as I prepared for a trip to the zoo. Just as we were about to head out, my youngest began to whimper, which I attributed to his impending nap time.
We paused our plans and picked him up for a cuddle. Noticing he felt warm, I took his temperature—it was around 100 degrees. I administered some Tylenol and settled back into the rocking chair with him, thinking nothing of it.
As I rocked him gently, he seemed to drift off to sleep. I too began to doze off, but then he twitched, startling me. I brushed it off until he twitched again, this time his body stiffened in my arms. I glanced at his face and was horrified to see his eyes rolled back in his head, his back arched, and his body trembling. This was beyond anything I had prepared for.
“Something is wrong! Come here now!” I yelled to my husband, Jake. Rushing in, he was understandably alarmed. I handed our son to him and dialed 911, trying to keep my older son, Max, calm as he watched in confusion.
“It’s okay, buddy. He’s fine,” Jake reassured Max, even though I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. The 911 operator calmly instructed me to lay our son on the floor away from any hazards and to let the seizure run its course, warning me not to put anything in his mouth. I timed the seizure, which felt like it lasted forever, but was actually only a few minutes.
Once the seizure ended, my little one lay limp. I was terrified—would he return to being the cheerful boy he once was? Was there long-term damage? I had heard that fevers could be dangerous, but I had never considered this possibility. Why hadn’t anyone informed me?
By the time the paramedics arrived, I was beginning to regain my composure. Our son was waking up, albeit slowly. Since I was still shaken, we took the ambulance ride to the children’s hospital. Upon arrival, the nurses checked his temperature—it had spiked to 104 degrees. They provided fluids and medication to reduce his fever and explained febrile seizures to me in detail.
Understanding Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are convulsions triggered by fever. At the time, there was ongoing debate about whether these seizures result from high temperatures or rapid temperature increases. It’s estimated that one in twenty children will experience a febrile seizure, yet many parents remain unaware, which is alarming considering their prevalence. Fortunately, most children outgrow them by age five.
Today, my son is seven and hasn’t had a seizure in years, although he did experience several during his early childhood whenever he had a fever. Once we understood what to do, the experience felt less daunting.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Febrile Seizure
If your child suffers a seizure, the most important thing is to stay calm. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing your child on a flat surface to prevent injury and ensuring the area is clear. Position them on their side to keep their airway open, and do not put anything in their mouths. Time the seizure; most febrile seizures last under three minutes. Call 911 if it lasts longer or if your child does not regain consciousness. Afterward, your child will likely feel tired. Once they are fully awake, consult your pediatrician about administering fever-reducing medication.
Febrile seizures can be frightening, but they are relatively common and typically harmless. Knowing how to respond when faced with a seizure can ease the stress for everyone involved. If your child has been diagnosed with febrile seizures, ensure that all caregivers are aware of the appropriate steps to take. Our experience can help better prepare you if this situation arises in your family.
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In summary, febrile seizures can be alarming for parents, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate this challenging situation more effectively.
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