Febrile seizures – types, risk factors, management. How can I prevent febrile seizures?

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Febrile seizures are a symptom that may accompany fever in the course of acute infections in young children (from 6 months to 5 years of age) and is not associated with diseases of the central nervous system. The occurrence of seizures in young children with increasing body temperature is related to the ongoing stage of puberty and adaptation of the central nervous system.

Types of febrile seizures

In children, it is usually observed simple febrile convulsions. They usually occur in the course of acute infections (e.g. of the throat, bronchus, ear), which are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. They usually appear on the first day of illness, at the peak of body temperature – when the temperature exceeds 39 degrees Celsius.

The attack affects the entire body. The child stiffens, strains, there is a temporary loss of contact with the environment and a short-term stopping of breathing. Drooling or foaming on the lips. After a few seconds, the baby begins to flutter its limbs (these attacks are short, as they last no more than 15 minutes a day). As a rule, they are not repeated during the same illness, which does not exclude their appearance with the next infection. It has been observed that simple febrile seizures are of a family nature, i.e. some families are more predisposed to their occurrence than others.

Sometimes they can appear in a child too complex febrile convulsions. They differ from simple ones in that they can occur several times in the course of the same disease, and the attack lasts longer (more than 15 minutes) and does not have to affect the entire body. They may appear before the age of 6 months and in children older than 5 years of age. They require in-depth diagnostics, as their occurrence is associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy.

After the febrile seizures, your baby may feel slightly weak and may vomit. Ideally, we let him sleep (on his side), which will make it easier for him to breathe.

Febrile seizures – risk factors

Typically, some children who have a febrile seizure will have a fit (within a year). Factors that increase the risk of relapse include:

1. reports of febrile convulsions in the immediate family,
2. the occurrence of seizures in early infancy,
3. frequent infections of the child,
4. the first seizure that occurs with a slight increase in temperature,
5. the nature of the first seizures – complex.

Diagnosis of febrile seizures

A child who has had a febrile seizure should be consulted with a neurologist. He or she will order a non-invasive EEG (no later than 48 hours after the seizure) to study how the brain works. It is usually performed in a dream. For this purpose, a special cap with electrodes is put on the child’s head, which records the brain waves. Based on the results of the EEG test and medical history, the doctor will be able to determine whether the seizure was typical febrile seizures, or whether the cause of the problem lies elsewhere. To be sure, a neurologist may also order a painless heart examination to rule out cardiac disease as the cause.

In a child with complex febrile seizures, hospitalization is necessary because there are doubts as to the cause of their occurrence. During the stay in the hospital, a number of specialist tests are performed, including the above-mentioned EEG test and:

1. analysis of the composition of blood and substances contained in it,
2. magnetic resonance imaging,
3. computed tomography,
4. cerebrospinal fluid test (obligatory in children under 18 months of age, and in adults – when meningitis is suspected).

Febrile seizures – management

During an attack of febrile seizures – whether simple or complex – the first thing you should do is stay calm. The child should be held loosely in the hands or placed on a soft surface to prevent injury. It is extremely important to prevent aspiration of saliva – therefore the child’s head should be placed slightly below the body or turned to the side. No objects, such as chewing gum, must be left in the child’s mouth during an attack. Until the end of the attack, the little patient must not be given any fluids or food!

After the attack, the child will be drowsy and lethargic – let him rest. During this time, it is worth trying to lower the body temperature – using cold compresses or antipyretic drugs in the form of suppositories.

If the attack lasts more than 5 minutes, a doctor should be called. Of course, make sure your baby is in a safe position first! A medical visit is also recommended during the first attack – make sure that the seizures are actually caused by a fever and not a disease of the central nervous system (e.g. meningitis).

In the first instance of febrile seizures, one should exercise caution in the first place. The doctor usually prescribes an anticonvulsant in such situations, which parents should always have on hand. If a child shows the first symptoms of infection, measure his temperature and then try to lower it as quickly as possible. The BRAUN PRT1000 electronic thermometer with a flexible tip, which you can buy at Medonet Market, will help you control body temperature.

In children who are predisposed to febrile seizures, antipyretic drugs should be given at regular intervals during the first three days of illness. Do not wait until the temperature rises with your hands folded, as this increases the risk of seizures.

In children prone to convulsions, prophylactic administration of relanium in syrup is considered. It is a prescription-only preparation and should be taken under strict medical prescription.

Note: If there are further febrile seizures after the first attack, be sure to consult your neurologist again!

How can I prevent febrile seizures?

To begin with, it should be noted that no prophylaxis can be XNUMX% sure that seizures will not occur. However, there are some methods that can reduce the risk of these incidents, such as:

1. do not overheat the child,
2. it is worth vaccinating a child in accordance with the vaccination schedule to prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases characterized by high temperature,
3. contact of the child with sick household members should be avoided,
4. taking care of the child’s immunity,
5. reducing fever with antipyretic preparations (in the course of an infection),
6. physical cooling of the child’s body in the course of fever.

Read also: Fever in children – ways to alleviate