Every parent understands the anxiety that comes with a sick child. Even minor ailments, like a common cold, can seem overwhelming when your little one is the one suffering. A fever can escalate this concern dramatically.
For parents, managing fevers in young children can be perplexing. What temperature indicates a fever? At what point does it become alarming? Should medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen be administered? How frequently should they be given? What steps should be taken if the fever persists despite treatment? Thankfully, modern thermometers and triage nurses are available to assist with these questions. However, there’s one alarming symptom of fever that caught me completely off guard: the febrile seizure.
I vividly remember one particular day in our home. My two sons, ages three and eighteen months, were happily playing in the living room while I busily prepared for a trip to the zoo. My husband was loading the car when my youngest began to fuss. Assuming he was just tired and ready for a nap, we paused our plans to comfort him. As I held him, I noticed he felt warm, so I checked his temperature, which was around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I administered some Tylenol and settled in the rocker with him, not thinking much of it.
As he started to drift off, I too began to relax. Suddenly, he twitched, which startled me, but soon we both appeared to be at ease. Then, he twitched again, but this time something felt off. His body stiffened in my arms, his eyes rolled back, and his back arched as he trembled. This was clearly not normal.
“Something is seriously wrong!” I shouted for my husband to come quickly. He rushed in, alarmed by the scene. I suspected our baby was having a seizure and handed him to my husband, urging him to watch closely while I called 911. Our older son, confused and frightened, asked what was happening to his brother. “It’s okay, buddy,” my husband tried to reassure him. Meanwhile, my heart raced; this was taking too long.
The 911 operator calmly instructed me to lay my son on the floor, away from any hazards, and let the seizure run its course. I was told not to put anything in his mouth and to track the duration. The entire episode felt like an eternity, but it lasted only a few minutes before my baby lay limp on the floor. Although I could tell he was breathing, fear gripped me. Would he return to his cheerful self? Would there be lasting damage? Why hadn’t I been made aware of this possibility before?
By the time the paramedics arrived, we had begun to calm down. My son started to stir, albeit sluggishly. Too shaken to drive, we took the ambulance to the children’s hospital, where his temperature was recorded at 104 degrees. They provided fluids and additional medication to lower his fever, tested him for the flu, and educated me about febrile seizures.
Febrile seizures are convulsions triggered by fever. At the time, there was ongoing debate about whether the seizures were the result of a high temperature or the rapid rise in temperature. It’s estimated that one in twenty children will experience a febrile seizure, which makes it surprising how little parents are informed about this common occurrence. Fortunately, most children outgrow them by the age of five.
My son is now seven and has not had a seizure in several years, though he did experience them frequently during his early fevers. Once we understood what was happening, the fear lessened significantly.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Seizure
If your child has a seizure, remember to stay calm. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises laying your child down in a safe area, ensuring there are no objects nearby that could cause injury. Position them on their side to keep their airway clear and do not place anything in their mouth. Monitor the duration of the seizure; most last less than three minutes. If it continues longer or if your child doesn’t regain consciousness promptly, call 911. After the seizure, your child may feel drowsy. Once they are fully awake, check with your pediatrician about administering fever-reducing medication.
While febrile seizures can be frightening, they are not uncommon and are typically harmless. Being informed about what to do can ease the stress for everyone involved. If your child is diagnosed with febrile seizures, ensure that all caregivers are familiar with the appropriate steps to take. For more information on related topics, you may want to explore resources like this article on pregnancy.
In summary, while a fever can be a cause for concern, especially if it leads to febrile seizures, understanding how to respond can help you remain calm and effectively manage the situation.