How to Prevent a Febrile Seizure

Febrile seizures are scary for a parent to witness; however, they are rarely life threatening. Febrile seizures are caused by a rapid change in an infant or young child's fever. Most convulsions last only a few minutes, but can seem a lot longer. Here are ways a parent can help prevent a child prone to febrile seizures from having more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Talk to your doctor about ways to help control your child's fever. Know the proper dosage for fever-reducing medication, especially if your child is growing rapidly. Doctors do not usually prescribe anticonvulsant medication for febrile seizures.
2. Keep your child's fever below 102 degrees F. Most febrile seizures occur above this temperature.
3. Take your child's temperature regularly if they are showing other signs of illness. Most febrile seizures occur on the first day of the fever, so it's better to identify a fever early and start fever-reducing medication.
4. Give your child medication to reduce the fever. Write down the last time you gave the medicine and give another dose at the prescribed time. This prevents the fever from shooting up when the medicine wears off.
5. Place your child in tepid water to control a fever. Wet towels with room-temperature water and place them under the child's arm pits, on the forehead and behind the neck.

Tips & Warnings

• Most febrile seizures occur between ages 6 months to 3 years and occurrences are rare after age 5.
• Once your child has had one febrile seizure he is likely to have another. Talk to your doctor about what factors contribute to recurring febrile seizures.
• Never put cold water or ice packs on a child with a fever. A sudden drop in fever can also trigger a febrile seizure.