What is Febrile Seizure

What is Febrile Seizure?                                              

As a general definition, seizure is characterized by convulsions with or without fever accompanied by loss of consciousness. Febrile seizure is observed with fever caused by any infection in the early childhood period (between 5 months and 6 years) without any relation to the brain.

 What Body Temperatures are Considered as Fever and Where on the Body is Measurement Taken?

We can measure body temperature of children from various body parts. In measurements commonly taken orally, from the ear, under the arm, and rectally, our limit values show differences.

• Body temperature measured orally and from the ear: 37.8°C
• Body temperature measured rectally: 38°C
• Body temperature measured under the arm: 37.2 °C

Measurements above these values should be considered as fever. We generally use digital stick thermometers and ear thermometers for these measurements.

In addition, in recent times, contactless infrared thermometers have become popular for measurements taken from the forehead where a body temperature above 37.6 °C is considered as fever.

What is the Frequency of Febrile Seizures in Children?

The frequency of having a seizure due to fever in all children under six years of age is around 4-5 percent, while this rate can reach up to the 9's in individuals with a history of febrile seizures in the family.

 Common Misconceptions about Febrile Seizure!

Trembling in a child with fever is often mistaken for a seizure. Trembling is a response that the body gives to a signal sent from the brain to the body muscles due to an increase in fever.

The common belief among parents that the higher the fever, the higher the likelihood of having a seizure does not reflect reality. Some children may have seizures at lower temperatures, while others may not have seizures even in very high fever conditions.

Some beliefs regarding the recurrence of febrile seizures are also mistaken. While most children do not have recurrent febrile seizures, a small number of children may have seizures with every febrile illness.

 What Should Be Done to Lower Fever?

• The child with fever should be undressed immediately, even if shivering, should not be covered.
• The fever-reducing syrup should be given in the dose and manner prescribed by the child's physician. The most reliable fever-reducing medications for children are those containing paracetamol and ibuprofen.
• Then, wet compresses should be applied to various parts of the body (under the arm, forehead, chest, and groin). The duration of these compresses should be limited to 5 minutes.
• If the fever does not subside with these interventions, the child can be given a warm shower.
• If despite the above measures the fever does not drop, the child should be taken to the nearest healthcare center.

 What Happens in a Child Having a Seizure?

In a child having a seizure, the first thing that happens is loss of consciousness. Then, sudden contractions and relaxations occur in the body (especially arms, legs, facial muscles). Eye deviation, locking of the jaw, salivation accompany these contractions and relaxations.

The duration of a seizure is not the same in every child, generally around 3-5 minutes. Sometimes it can last longer or shorter. When the seizure stops, the child falls asleep exhausted. In some children, urination and defecation leakage can be observed at the end of the seizure.

 How Should the Approach Be to a Child Having Febrile Seizure?

• Not to panic is the most beneficial behavior for a child having a seizure. Because the possibility of causing harm to the child is higher when in a panic state.
• The child should be brought to a lying position on the side immediately, and to prevent biting the tongue, a thickly folded tissue should be placed between the teeth.
• The room should be ventilated (by opening windows or doors) for the child to breathe more comfortably.
• If there are tight clothes on the child, they should be loosened.
• If available, a seizure-stopping suppository (diazepam type) should be inserted into the rectum in the dose and manner prescribed by the pediatrician.
• Finally, the patient should be taken to the nearest healthcare center.

Putting the child under cold water during the seizure is not a correct behavior!