Fever is the main symptom or reaction of the body when something is wrong inside the organism. This is because the human body is completely controlled by a kind of “thermometer” called the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, keeping the internal organs around 37 degrees Celsius. When some agent invades the body or some illness strikes, the hypothalamus automatically raises the body temperature to indicate that it is not within normal limits. When this temperature rises too high, a febrile seizure may occur, especially in children between 6 months and 5 years of age.
The temperature considered normal for the body ranges between 36 and 36.7°C and it tends to be lower in the mornings and rises quickly at night. A mild fever or febrile state is considered when the temperature reaches 37.3 to 37.8°C. Above 37.8°C is already considered a fever, and the only way to confirm the temperature is with a thermometer, preferably a digital one as they are more accurate. The most appropriate way to check the temperature is in the folds of the armpit, and it should be kept there for a full 5 minutes.
When this central body temperature function is unable to control the ideal temperature and it rises quickly, febrile seizures in children may occur. Even though pediatricians say it is a benign event, it is a frightening scene for any mother since, during a seizure, the child experiences intense muscle rigidity, loss of consciousness, eyes that roll back, and some may have bluish lips and fingertips. A crisis lasts on average from seconds to 5 minutes, and after the seizure, the child tends to remain more lethargic, sleepy, and with heavy breathing. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict when a febrile seizure in children will happen, but by controlling body temperature, it is possible to reduce the chances of it happening.
What to Do During and After a Febrile Seizure?
When noticing fever in children, it is recommended to use antipyretics to control the temperature. However, in some cases, even medication cannot reduce the rapid increase in fever, and other methods may be necessary to help lower the temperature more quickly, such as warm baths or compresses on the forehead and trunk with water that is warm to cool. If, even after all these measures, the fever does not go down, it is recommended to seek emergency care.
It is in these extreme cases that febrile seizures in children occur, and in the desperation of seeing their child convulse, parents often do not know what to do. The first step is to try to remain calm, as the crisis will last only a few minutes, and you should hold your child to prevent them from getting hurt during the seizure. Completely remove the child’s clothing and support their head on a comfortable pillow, turning them to the side so any secretion or saliva that escapes from the mouth does not block their breathing. Move any objects and furniture away from the child that could hurt them during the seizure, and keep the area well-ventilated.
It is not necessary to hold the child’s tongue as was commonly believed in the past; just make sure that the child will not hurt themselves while convulsing. Only after the episode has passed and the child has recovered should you offer an antipyretic. During the seizure, do not give medication, as it can be aspirated into the lungs, worsening the situation. If possible, note down the duration of the febrile seizure along with the highest temperature reached, as this will be valuable information for the pediatrician to analyze the situation and seriousness.
After a febrile seizure has passed, it is normal for the child to look visibly worn out and very sleepy. Call your pediatrician immediately or go to the emergency room for more detailed medical exams, which will seek to find the reason for the high fever and consequently the seizure. Treating the underlying cause is the best way to prevent it from happening again. Normally, exams requested for assessment are blood tests, urine tests, or a spinal fluid exam to rule out meningitis, if requested by the doctor. But be aware that the chance of a child suffering any brain injury or developmental disability due to a febrile seizure is practically zero. Another widespread myth is that children who have seizures will become epileptic—the risk is minimal, almost 1%.
See also: Why Does Fever Occur in Children?
Photos: smengelsrud, tatlin
