Febrile Convulsions

What is a febrile convulsion?

This is a convulsion (fit or seizure) which can occur in some children with a high temperature.

About 3 in 100 children will have a febrile convulsion. They usually occur before age 6.

Is it epilepsy?

No – febrile convulsions are NOT epilepsy. Epilepsy causes seizures without a fever.

Febrile convulsions rarely lead to epilepsy.

Do febrile convulsions cause permanent brain damage?

No, this is very unlikely.

What things cause febrile convulsions?

Any illness which causes a temperature – eg a cold or ear infection.

There is a chance a convulsion will happen again – of 10 children who have a febrile convulsion approximately 3-4 will have more than one.

If you think your child is feverish

• Do not over dress your child, keep them cool.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids.
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen, follow instructions on label for correct dose and how often it can be given.

If your child has a fit

• Keep calm. It is very frightening when your child has a fit, but they will not be aware of what is happening.
• Do not hold your child down when he/she is having a fit.
• Lay your child on his/her side on the floor to prevent choking or accidental injury.
• Do not put anything in your child’s mouth.
• Make a note of how long the fit lasted and seek medical advice.

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk