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Febrile Seizures (Fever Fits)
A febrile seizure is a fit triggered by a fever in a young child. They are frightening to watch but are usually harmless and do not cause lasting harm.
Causes & risk factors
- A rapid rise in temperature during an infection
- Usually a viral illness causing the fever
- Most common between 6 months and 5 years
- A family tendency to febrile seizures
Common symptoms
- Fever
- Stiffening and jerking of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness during the fit
- Eyes rolling back
- Drowsiness or confusion afterwards
Tests & diagnosis
- Usually none — diagnosed from the description
- Tests to find the source of fever (urine, etc.)
- Lumbar puncture only if meningitis is suspected
Treatment & management
- Stay calm and note the time — most fits stop within minutes
- Lay the child on their side, clear the area, do not put anything in the mouth
- Do not restrain the child
- Treat the underlying fever and infection
- Learn what to do and when to call for help from your doctor
When to see a doctor urgently
- A fit lasting more than 5 minutes — call for emergency help
- Difficulty breathing, blue lips, or repeated fits — emergency
- A first-ever seizure — get the child seen
- A stiff neck, non-fading rash or the child staying very drowsy — urgent
Frequently asked questions
Will a febrile seizure harm my child?
Simple febrile seizures do not cause brain damage or epilepsy and children grow out of them, usually by around age 5. They are frightening but almost always harmless.
Can I prevent them with fever medicine?
Fever medicine keeps a child comfortable but has not been shown to reliably prevent febrile seizures. Focus on treating the illness and knowing what to do if a fit happens.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.