The signs and symptoms of febrile seizures can vary from child to child, but they typically include:
- A sudden fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
- A loss of consciousness or altered level of consciousness.
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity.
- Jerking or twitching movements in the arms, legs, or face.
- Rolling of the eyes or fluttering eyelids.
- Breathing problems, such as shallow breathing or pauses in breathing.
- Drooling or frothing at the mouth.
- Blueness of the lips or face.
They may also be sick and foam at the mouth. After the seizure, your child may be sleepy for up to an hour. A straightforward febrile seizure like this will only happen once during your child’s illness.
Occasionally, febrile seizures can last longer than 15 minutes and symptoms may only affect one area of your child’s body. These are known as complex febrile seizures. These seizures sometimes happen again within 24 hours or during the period in which your child is ill.
See your child’s doctor as soon as possible after your child’s first febrile seizure, even if it lasts only a few seconds. Call an ambulance to take your child to the emergency room if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or is accompanied by:
- Vomiting
- A stiff neck
- Breathing problems
- Extreme sleepiness
Febrile seizures usually last for only a few minutes and stop on their own. After the seizure, the child may be drowsy, confused, or irritable. It is important to seek medical attention if your child has a febrile seizure, as it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.