If you’re a parent, you’re accustomed to dealing with fevers. Most of the time, they’re brought on by childhood illnesses like colds, ear infections, or the flu. In those cases, rest, fluids, and fever reducers are usually enough, and there’s no reason to panic.
But if your child’s fever leads to a seizure, that is a cause for concern. A seizure can be frightening to witness, especially if you’ve never seen one. It’s also a sign that your child may need medical attention. While some fever-related seizures are brief and resolve on their own, any seizure should be taken seriously and evaluated by a specialist.
A seizure in a child may look like sudden shaking or jerking of the arms and legs, stiffening of the body, rolling of the eyes, or a brief loss of awareness. Some children may stop responding or seem confused afterward. Because seizures involve the brain, seeing a pediatric neurology specialist as soon as possible is crucial.
Dr. Henry Hasson, a pediatric neurologist in Brooklyn, New York, has extensive experience treating children who have seizures. He focuses on understanding the cause and preventing future episodes. Below are eight important steps to take if your child has a seizure triggered by a fever, and what to expect afterward.
Your first priority is your child’s safety. Gently place them on the floor or a flat surface away from furniture or sharp objects. If possible, turn them onto their side so their airway stays clear. Do not try to stop the seizure or hold them down, and do not put anything in their mouth.
As difficult as it is, try to observe what’s happening with your child. Notice how your child’s body moves and whether they stiffen or shake. If you can, check how long the seizure lasts. Most fever-related seizures last less than a few minutes, but even short seizures are important to document. These details will be very helpful when consulting with Dr. Hasson.
During a seizure, your child cannot swallow safely. Giving medication, food, or fluids at this time can lead to choking. Wait until the seizure has completely stopped and your child is fully awake before giving them any food or drinks.
Call emergency services right away if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if your child has trouble breathing, turns blue, or does not wake up after the seizure ends. You should also seek emergency care if this is your child’s first seizure or if something about it feels unusual or severe. Trust your instincts as a parent.
After the seizure ends, your child may be very tired, confused, or upset. Stay close and speak calmly. Let them rest and recover at their own pace. Keep them on their side and avoid rushing them to stand or walk. Their body needs time to reset.
Once your child is alert and able to swallow, you can begin treating the fever. This may include using fever-reducing medication as directed by their doctor and removing excess clothing or blankets. Lowering the fever won’t treat the seizure itself, but it can help your child feel more comfortable as they recover.
Even if the seizure was brief and your child seems fine afterward, it’s important to have them evaluated by a specialist. Seizures can have different causes, and while some are linked to fever, others may signal an underlying neurological issue. Dr. Hasson can determine whether further testing or monitoring is needed.
After a seizure, many parents worry about it happening again. Dr. Hasson can help you understand what signs to watch for, how to respond if another seizure occurs, and when to seek urgent care. Having a clear plan can ease your anxiety and help you feel more prepared moving forward.
Watching your child have a seizure is frightening, but taking the right steps during and after the event can protect your child and help ensure they receive the care they need. If your child experiences a seizure, whether linked to a fever or not, book an appointment with Dr. Hasson today by messaging us or calling 718-785-9828.
