Fever seizures, also known as febrile seizures, are a form of convulsions that occur in young children, typically between the ages of six months and five years, and are triggered by a sudden rise in body temperature due to fever. These seizures usually last for a brief duration, typically a few minutes, but can be alarming for parents and caregivers to witness.
The exact cause of fever seizures is still not fully understood, but they are believed to occur due to the rapid increase in body temperature affecting the electrical activity in the brain. Typically, fever seizures occur when a child's body temperature exceeds 102.2°F (39°C) or higher, and they are most common during the first 24 to 48 hours of a febrile illness, particularly respiratory and ear infections.
Fever seizures can be categorized into two main types: simple and complex. Simple fever seizures are more common, characterized by a generalized shaking or convulsion of the entire body and usually last for less than 15 minutes. On the other hand, complex fever seizures are less common but last longer, occur more frequently, and may only affect one side of the body or cause unusual movements or behaviors.
It is important to note that while fever seizures can be distressing to witness, they are generally harmless and do not cause any long-term damage or neurological problems. However, any child experiencing a fever seizure should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to confirm the underlying cause of the fever and ensure appropriate treatment is provided.
