Febrile Seizures: What They Are And How To Prevent Them
Children may experience febrile seizures at some point during their childhood. These seizures usually happen in the course of a fever, which is why this condition is also known as fever-related seizure disorder. Febrile seizures are not harmful to your child and can be prevented with proper care and preparation.
Cost Ranges
The primary cost associated with managing febrile seizures is typically related to healthcare visits to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A visit to a pediatrician can range from $100 to $200 without insurance. If emergency care is needed, costs can increase significantly, especially if additional tests such as blood work or a lumbar puncture are performed.
Local Tips
- Contact Local Pediatricians: Establish a good relationship with a local pediatrician who can provide guidance on managing fevers and febrile seizures.
- Community Support Groups: Look for local parent groups or online forums where you can share experiences and learn from others who have dealt with febrile seizures.
- Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with the nearest pediatric emergency facilities to ensure quick access if needed.
FAQs
- What should I do if my child has a febrile seizure?
- Stay calm, place your child on their side to prevent choking, and keep them safe from injury. Do not put anything in their mouth. Seek medical attention after the seizure to ensure it was febrile and not due to another cause.
- Can febrile seizures be prevented?
- While you cannot always prevent febrile seizures, managing your child's fever with medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and keeping them hydrated, may help reduce the risk.
- Are febrile seizures a sign of epilepsy?
- Most febrile seizures are not related to epilepsy. However, if your child has frequent seizures, your doctor may recommend further evaluation to rule out epilepsy.
- When should I call a doctor?
- If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, your child has difficulty breathing, or if they are not waking up or behaving normally after the seizure, seek immediate medical attention.
Febrile seizures and what they are
Febrile seizures are a type of seizure that can occur in children when they have a fever. While they can be scary for parents to witness, they are usually not harmful and do not cause any long-term problems.
There are a few things that can be done to help prevent febrile seizures, such as:
-Giving your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the first sign of a fever
-Dressing them in light clothing to help bring down their body temperature
-Making sure they stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids
If your child does experience a febrile seizure, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and wait for it to pass. Do not try to restrain your child as this could make the seizure worse. Once it is over, make sure to take them to see a doctor so that they can be evaluated and treated for any underlying condition that may have caused the fever.
What causes febrile seizures?
There are many things that can cause a febrile seizure, but the most common is a high fever. Other causes can include:
- A family history of febrile seizures
- A viral infection
- An ear infection
- Immunizations
Most febrile seizures occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old. However, they can occasionally happen in older children and adults.
How to prevent a febrile seizure
A febrile seizure is a type of seizure that can occur in children when they have a fever. Although febrile seizures are generally harmless, they can be frightening for parents and caregivers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent a febrile seizure from occurring.
First, it’s important to try to keep your child’s fever under control. Give them regular doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help bring down their temperature. You can also use a cool compress on their forehead or neck to help reduce the fever.
Second, make sure your child is staying hydrated by giving them plenty of fluids to drink. This will help prevent their fever from getting too high.
Finally, if you know your child is going to be in a situation where they may get overheated, such as being outside in the heat or exercising, take steps to prevent it. Dress them in cool, loose-fitting clothing and make sure they have access to shade and water so they don’t become dehydrated. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent a febrile seizure from occurring.
Prevention methods for febrile seizures
There are a few things that can be done to help prevent febrile seizures. One is to make sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Another is to keep them well hydrated, especially during times when they may be more susceptible to fever, such as teething or illness.
If your child does have a febrile seizure, it is important to stay calm and call 911 if it lasts longer than five minutes or if your child has trouble breathing.
Conclusion
Febrile seizures are a type of seizure that can occur in young children when they have a fever. Although they are generally benign and do not cause any long-term damage, they can be frightening for both children and their parents. There are some things that you can do to help prevent them, however, such as keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date and making sure that they take acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the first sign of a fever. If your child does have a febrile seizure, remain calm and try to comfort them while it lasts. More great information on febrile seizures can be found here.
