Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
The symptoms of febrile seizures can be alarming but are usually brief and self-limiting. Febrile seizures almost always happen in the early stages of a fever and may be the first sign that a child is unwell. Recognising the signs helps ensure a quick and calm response.
Simple Febrile Seizures
These are the most common type. They usually:
Occur once during a single fever episode
Last less than 5 minutes
Affect both sides of the body
Cause loss of consciousness and generalised shaking or stiffness
During the seizure, the child may:
Lose awareness or appear unresponsive
Stiffen their body or jerk their arms and legs rhythmically
Roll their eyes or clench their jaw
Become flushed or pale
Drool or foam at the mouth
Once the seizure ends, the child may be sleepy, irritable, or briefly confused—but they usually recover fully within 15–30 minutes.
Complex Febrile Seizures
These are less common and:
Last more than 15 minutes
Occur more than once in 24 hours
Affect only one part of the body (focal seizures)
Children with complex febrile seizures may need additional medical evaluation, including blood tests or scans, to rule out other causes.
Warning Signs Before a Seizure
Parents may notice:
Rapid fever rise, even if the child doesn’t seem very sick
Sudden irritability, tiredness, or shivering
High-pitched cry or sudden unresponsiveness just before the seizure starts
When to Seek Emergency Help
Always seek immediate medical attention if:
The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
The child has difficulty breathing or turns blue
The seizure happens after a head injury
The child has a stiff neck, rash, or is difficult to wake after the seizure
It is the child’s first seizure
These signs may suggest something more serious, such as meningitis or epilepsy, and require urgent care.
Symptoms of Febrile Seizures
Recognising the symptoms of febrile seizures ensures parents stay alert and respond calmly. While the event can be distressing, reassurance, observation, and follow-up are usually all that’s required after a simple febrile episode.
[Next: Diagnosis of Febrile Seizures→]
