Identify a Febrile Seizure
A toddler having a seizure for the first time is a terrifying ordeal for a parent or caregiver. The seizure typically lasts a few minutes, but it can seem much longer. Knowing what triggers a febrile seizure and the typical symptoms helps a parent respond appropriately (and possibly with less panic).
Instructions
1. Consider your child's medical history. If he's had a febrile seizure in the past, it's likely that the seizure is another febrile seizure.
2. Identify when the fever started. Most febrile seizures occur within the first 24 hours of fever.
3. Review your child's recent symptoms. Most febrile seizures occur when the fever is over 102 degrees F. Sometimes the seizure is triggered when fever-reducing medication wears off and the fever suddenly spikes.
4. Look for eye rolling or stiffening of limbs at the onset. The entire body may go into a convulsion. Febrile seizures affect more than one area of the body.
5. Expect the child to look pale with shallow breathing. Monitor breathing closely and call 911 if the skin appears bluish.
6. Say the child's name to see if she responds. A child having a febrile seizure won't respond to your voice.
7. Time the length of the seizure or at least approximate it. A febrile seizure doesn't last longer than 15 minutes, even though it may seem longer.
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