Febrile convulsions (fits)
goodtoknow says: Febrile convulsions (fits) may look alarming, but they aren't usually dangerous and happen to 3 in every 100 children under six. Febrile convulsions are often a one-off event, triggered by a high temperature and commonly last a few seconds. See your GP if it lasts more than five minutes. Your child will look hot and dazed, their eyes may roll and parts of their body twitch. Lie them on their side, don't shake them or put anything in their mouth. When they come round, make them comfortable and try to lower their temperature.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of febrile convulsions from patient.co.uk, read on
A febrile convulsion is a seizure (a 'fit') which occurs in some children when they have a fever (high temperature). The vast majority of febrile convulsions are not serious. Full recovery with no permanent damage is usual.
Who has a febrile convulsion and what causes them?
About 3 in 100 children have a febrile convulsion sometime before their 6th birthday. They most commonly occur between the ages of 18 months and three years. They are rare in children under six months old and over the age of six years.
Any illness which causes a fever (high temperature) can cause a febrile convulsion. Most occur with common illnesses such as ear infections, coughs, colds, flu, and other virus infections. Serious infections such as pneumonia, kidney infections, etc, are less common causes.
What does a febrile convulsion look like?
The child may look hot and flushed, and their eyes may appear to roll backwards. They may appear dazed and then become unconscious. Parts of the body may twitch or shake. It does not usually last long. It may only be a few seconds, and is unusual for it to last more than five minutes. The child may be sleepy for some time afterwards. An hour or so later the child often appears a lot better when their temperature has come down.
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dawn, 8 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
My grandson who is 4 and a half months old has had a very strange shaking a couple of time 1 was when he was feeding and nanother was when he was falling asleep his little hands and legs where shaking is this a fit or is it nothing to worry about my little grnadson ahd had a couple of funn turns when he has been falling off to sleep he is 4and a half months old and twice now when he is just going off to skleep his little hands and legs have started to shake is this a fit or should we not worry about it