A febrile convulsion is a type of seizure or convulsion that occurs in children during high fever, usually as a result of febrile illnesses. Febrile convulsions usually occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, and the majority of children experience such seizures in this age range.
Febrile convulsions are common among children, but the cause and severity of each seizure can be different. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommendations of a health professional for the diagnosis and treatment of febrile convulsions.
What causes febrile convulsions?
The exact cause of febrile convulsions (febrile convulsions) is unknown, but they are usually associated with a high fever. Possible causes and risk factors for febrile convulsions can be listed as follows
High Fever The most common cause of febrile convulsions is high fever. A rapid rise in body temperature or sudden fever can cause seizures in some children. Febrile convulsions usually occur when the body temperature is between 38-40 °C.
Genetic Factors: Family history can increase the risk of febrile convulsions in some children. If a first-degree relative has had a febrile convulsion, these children may be at slightly higher risk.
Age: Febrile convulsions usually occur in children aged 6 months to 6 years. Children in this age range are more at risk. Children under 6 years of age experience febrile illnesses more often and their immune system is not yet fully developed.
Gender: Some studies have suggested that boys may be more prone to febrile convulsions, but there is no definitive information on this.
Previous febrile convulsions: Children who have had a previous febrile convulsion are at risk of having another seizure in the future.
Febrile Illnesses: Febrile convulsions are more common during viral or bacterial infections that cause fever. These can include upper respiratory tract infections, ear infections, influenza and urinary tract infections.
Vaccines: In rare cases, some vaccines can cause febrile convulsions. However, these cases are very rare and the protection provided by vaccines is greater than the potential risks.
The causes of febrile convulsions are still poorly understood and not all febrile illnesses cause febrile convulsions. Also, most febrile convulsions are harmless for the child and usually have no long-term effects. However, when a child has a febrile convulsion, it is important that they are assessed under the supervision of a health professional and appropriate treatment is provided.
What are the symptoms of febrile convulsions?
The symptoms of febrile convulsions usually start quickly and the child's condition can change within a few minutes. Symptoms of febrile convulsions may include
Loss of Consciousness: The child may suddenly lose consciousness and not react to their surroundings. This may be an initial sign of a seizure.
Convulsions and tremors: During febrile convulsions, the child's body often convulses and trembles. The contractions can usually be seen on one or both sides.
Fixed Gaze: The child's eyes usually look at a fixed point.
Breathing Changes: During a seizure, the child's breathing may become irregular. Note that respiratory arrest is rare.
Foaming Mouth: Foam may come from the child's mouth during a seizure.
Duration of Seizure: Febrile convulsions are usually short and limited to a few minutes. However, the duration of a seizure can vary from a few seconds to several minutes.
Color Changes: The child's skin may appear pale or bluish during a seizure.
Febrile convulsions usually end when the child regains consciousness. After the seizure ends, children may often feel numb and tired. In the post-seizure period, children often need to sleep.
It is important to observe and keep a child with a febrile convulsion safe. During a seizure, it may be necessary to move the child's head and body away from hard objects to protect them. However, it is important not to try to put anything in the mouth or force the child to move, as this can cause harm.
The condition of a child with a febrile convulsion can be serious, so a health professional may need to intervene. If a child's febrile convulsions recur frequently or last longer than 5 minutes, it is important to contact a health care provider immediately.
How is febrile convulsion diagnosed?
Febrile convulsions are usually diagnosed based on clinical examination and the child's medical history. Common methods used to diagnose febrile convulsions:
Patient Examination: A health professional examines the child with febrile convulsions. During this examination, the symptoms and severity of the seizure are observed. The examination also provides information about the child's general health.
Medical History: The doctor asks about the child's medical history and whether there have been previous febrile convulsions. He or she also collects information about the child's previous infections, vaccination history and family history.
Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests may be done to determine the underlying cause of febrile convulsions or to rule out other medical problems. These tests can help detect health problems such as signs of infection or electrolyte imbalances.
Imaging Tests: In rare cases, brain imaging tests (for example, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) may be performed to provide more information about the cause of febrile convulsions. These tests can be used to rule out the presence of another neurological problem.
Febrile convulsions can usually be diagnosed clinically and usually do not require medical imaging or complex laboratory tests. The diagnosis usually becomes clearer when there is a seizure caused by febrile illness.
As an important note, it is important that a child with a febrile convulsion is under the supervision of a health professional for evaluation and treatment. Febrile convulsions are usually harmless, but it is important to follow the doctor's advice and guidance.
Treatment of Febrile Convulsion
Treatment for febrile convulsions usually involves waiting for the seizure to end, because most seizures end on their own and do not require medication. However, there are some important things to consider if your child has a febrile convulsion:
Keeping the child safe: During a febrile convulsion, move hard objects away to protect the child's head and body. Lay him/her on the floor and turn his/her head slightly to the side to help clear his/her mouth.
Timing the Seizure Duration: Time how long the seizure lasts. Febrile convulsions are usually limited to a few minutes. However, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if the next seizure starts immediately after, contact a health professional immediately.
Check Breathing: Monitor the child's breathing. If there are breathing problems, contact a health professional immediately.
Keep Calm: Try to stay calm during a seizure. Panicking can stress your child even more.
Putting Nothing in the Mouth: Do not try to put anything in the child's mouth during a seizure, as this can cause harm.
Post-seizure monitoring: When the seizure is over, lay the child on their side to check breathing and let them sleep in a relaxing way. The child usually feels alert and tired after the seizure.
Reduce Fever: High fever is usually the underlying cause of febrile convulsions. Use antipyretic medicines recommended by your doctor to lower the fever. It is important to give the medicines in the right dose and frequency.
Consult a Doctor: If your child has had a febrile seizure before or if you are concerned about their condition after a seizure, contact a health professional. The doctor can assess your child and make appropriate treatment or recommendations.
Febrile convulsions are usually harmless for children and long-term effects are rare. However, every case is different and it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. Also, doctor's recommendations are important to identify the underlying cause of febrile convulsions and provide appropriate treatment when needed.