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A febrile convulsion is when a child has a seizure because they have a high temperature (fever). It usually happens to children between 6 months and 5 years old.
Any illness that causes a fever may lead to a febrile convulsion, including viral infections, ear infections and tonsilitis.
If your doctor knows what is causing the fever and is happy that the child is well enough, the child can usually be looked after at home.
Even though it can look very scary, most febrile convulsions:
- Stop on their own
- Last less than 5 minutes
- Do not cause any long-term harm
- Are not epilepsy
What are the signs and symptoms of febrile convulsions?
Your child may:
- Pass out and not respond (become unconscious)
- Become stiff
- Have shaking or jerking arms and legs
- Roll their eyes back
- Be very sleepy afterwards
Most children get better quickly and recover fully.
What should you do if your child is having a febrile convulsion?
- Stay calm
- Move objects away so your child does not hurt themselves
- Stay with your child
- Loosen any tight clothing, especially around the neck
- Time the seizure: If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes call 999 or go to the nearest A&E straight away. If the seizure lasts less than 5 minutes – call NHS 111 or your GP for advice if you are worried
- Put anything in their mouth
- Try to stop the movements or hold them down
After the seizure has stopped, gently turn your child on their side in the recovery position.
What this video to learn more about the recovery position:
Red Flags
Your child needs urgent help. Call 999 or go to your local Emergency Department
- The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- Has another seizure in the current illness lasting more than 5 minutes and/or does not recover rapidly afterwards
- Becomes confused, agitated or very lethargic (e.g. difficult to wake)
- Becomes mottled, pale and feels cold to touch
- Is going blue around the lips
- Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the Glass Test)
- Is under 3-months old with a fever of 38°C or above
- Has weakness of the arms or legs, visual difficulties or difficulty speaking after the seizure has stopped
What is the glass test?
If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis and you should call 999 straight away.
Amber Flags
Please ring your GP or contact NHS 111 for advice
- Has another febrile convulsion (less than 5 minutes) in the same illness
- Remains drowsy or lethargic for more than an hour after the seizure
- Is becoming drowsy or irritable, especially if they remain drowsy and irritable despite their fever settling down
- Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
- Is 3-6 months with a temperature of 39°C or above
- Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
- Seems to be getting worse or if you are worried
If your child has none of the above red or amber flags, you can continue to monitor to them at home. Please keep a close eye on your child, including overnight.
NHS 111 can help if you think your child needs medical help right now
You can get help from NHS 111
- By using 111 online (if your child is 5 years old or older)
- By calling 111 – you can ask for an interpreter
- By Text Relay – call 18001 111 using text relay, 24 hours a day
- By using signvideo.co.uk/nhs111 if you need British Sign Language