Why are febrile seizures dangerous?

We all know the stories about children with febrile convulsions. What are the dangers and what you can do?

Febrile convulsions involve short-term muscle twitching in both arms and legs. The cause is abnormal functioning of the brain cells that can be caused by fever, but this is not always the case.

Febrile convulsions usually occur on the first day of the fever and last no longer than fifteen minutes. Febrile convulsions are usually not dangerous if they last less than five minutes. They do not cause brain damage or lead to developmental disorders. If the loss of consciousness lasts longer than five minutes, there is a risk of asphyxiation or impairment of mental capacity.

As a bystander, you can help a child with febrile convulsions by laying him on his side and turning his head to the side so that he does not choke on his vomit. Then remove clothes that are too warm and cool down. Consult a doctor immediately.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024