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Febrile convulsion

Information for parents and carers

Photograph of child laying down in bed looking quite unwell and being looked after by her mum

Children and Young People’s Emergency Department

You have been given this information because your child has been diagnosed with a febrile convulsion.

Febrile convulsions are fits or seizures that occur in a child with a high temperature. They are not epileptic seizures. Around 1 in 20 children will have at least one febrile convulsion.

Most occur with common infections such as coughs and colds, or ear infections. Occasionally your child will have a more serious infection such as a kidney infection or pneumonia as the cause.

Symptoms of a febrile convulsion

  • Arm or leg twitching
  • Whole body stiffness
  • Your child may wet themselves
  • Usually last less than 5 minutes
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting
  • Eye rolling
  • Sleepy after the event

Investigation for a febrile convulsion

No investigations are required if your child has made a quick recovery, with a simple febrile convulsion, and a clear focus of infection.

Children with complex febrile convulsions or serious causes of infection need to be admitted to hospital for further tests.

Treatment of a febrile convulsion

  • If your child is fitting lay them in the recovery position
    – Lay them on their side, with their faced turned to one side and head lifted up
    – This will help prevent the swallowing of any vomit or blockage of the airway

  • Avoid placing your fingers in their mouth

  • When the seizure stops try to cool your child

  • If it is a first seizure, lasted longer than 5 minutes or they have not recovered quickly take them to the nearest hospital, or dial 999.

Following a febrile convulsion

Seeing a child having a seizure can be frightening and distressing for parents. However, almost all children make a complete recovery with no after-effects.

There is a small link to developing epilepsy in later life, a 1 in 50 chance. And a future febrile convulsion is more likely under the age of 15 months.

Further information

For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:

  • ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
  • ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
  • Telephone NHS 111
  • Contact your General Practitioner

Contact details

  • The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
    Telephone: 01642 850850
  • The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
    Telephone: 01609 779911
  • Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
    Telephone: 01642 511000

Patient experience

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.

This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.

T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]

The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
ST1603