Febrile Convulsions

A febrile convulsion is a fit or seizure caused by a fever. They are caused by a sudden change in your child’s body temperature and are usually associated with a fever (a temperature above 38°C). A high temperature is a sign of infection somewhere in the body and is often caused by a virus or bacteria. A high fever does not necessarily mean your child has a serious illness. Fever is not known to cause damage to the brain or other organs.

Most children with fever suffer only minor discomfort, however one child in 30 will have a febrile convulsion at one time or another. This usually happens between the ages of six months and six years. Febrile convulsions are not harmful to your child and do not cause brain damage. They are, however, quite upsetting to parents to witness.

Most children who have a febrile convulsion will only ever have just one. Some children will have one or more seizures, usually during illnesses which cause a fever. There is no increased risk of epilepsy in children who have had febrile convulsions.