A febrile convulsion is a fit that happens when a child has a high temperature. The area of the brain that regulates the body temperature doesn’t fully develop until around 4 years old. If a child develops an infection this can lead to their core temperature spiking rapidly (above 38°C.)

Febrile convulsions are relatively common and, in most cases, aren’t serious. Around one in 20 children will have at least one febrile seizure at some point. They most often occur between the ages of six months and three years. 

These tend to last for less than 5 minutes and can be very frightening to witness as the child might appear to stop breathing and their lips may go blue. 

Recognition

• Body stiffening
• Arms and legs twitching
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Vomiting
• Foaming at the mouth
• Eyes rolling back
• The child might be lethargic afterwards

Treatment

• Protect the child from injury
• Remove any dangerous objects and cushion the child’s head with cushions, blankets or towels
• Remove any outer clothing
• Open windows and doors to encourage a flow of fresh air, take care not to overcool the child
• Call 999/112
• When the convulsions stops open their airway and check breathing
• If the child is breathing put them in the recovery position and monitor them closely until help arrives
• Reassure the child

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Do not put anything in their mouth, this may cause more damage. Do not try to restrain a child convulsing

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