What is a Febrile Convulsion?
While still considering infections, let us talk for a while on fits that occur when a child is hot and feverish, for it is a manifestation of an infection. Correct. This is usually in some other part of the body, often in the upper respiratory system or ear.
About 5 per cent of children are likely to suffer from a febrile (heat induced) convulsion during early life. They are most common between the ages of six months and four years. They are quite rare over the age of six years. Does it mean the child is a candidate for epilepsy afterwards?
Of course this is the main fear, but I am glad to say that most suffer no further convulsions in later life. It is estimated that about 5 per cent may go on to epilepsy.
Febrile Convulsions in Children
These may occur in young children, commonly during a fever. This may be due to an infected throat or upper airway infection, or infected car, or some other cause. It may occur during infectious disorders, such as measles, mumps, or chickenpox.
The child tends to go red in the face, and may go blue or may be stiff and rigid, and arch the back, roll the eyes, and make abnormal body and limb movements. Treatment is aimed at reducing the fever, and a cool sponge is often very effective. Wet towels, a fan and similar devices help. Make sure the airway is clear. Mucus or vomitus may block it.
It is wise to seek medical assistance to treat the underlying infection. Also a certain number of children with this tendency may develop into epileptics in later life.
Febrile Convulsion Symptoms
Often the child goes to bed at night, and awakens (or half wakes up) having a fit. It is a very frightening sight, especially for a young mother who has never seen such an incident before. The child’s body convulses with strange, forceful movements, and the child appears to be unconscious or may have a glassy stare.
There may be frothing at the mouth. Then the youngster will go limp and probably fall asleep. Often there is a fever, and perhaps the history of a sore ear, cough or chest infection or cold from the previous night.
Convulsions may occur in young children, commonly during a fever. This may be due to an infected throat or upper airway infection, or infected car, or some other cause. It may occur during infectious disorders, such as measles, mumps, or chickenpox.
Febrile Convulsion Treatment
First, do not panic. The child will not die! This is important, and I must keep reassuring you of this important fact. Keep your cool, and your mind clear. Cooling the fevered child is the first essential. The patient may be very hot. Using cool water and a sponge, do each part separately. Some find it easier to give a lukewarm to cool bath, but with an unconscious body I do not recommend this. Sponging is often adequate. Some find alcoholic liquids (metho) applied to the skin very cooling, as it evaporates quickly. Others do not believe in this. Do not put anything between the tightly clenched jaws, and certainly do not try to force them open with a peg or spoon or fingers. This is out of fashion and could only damage teeth or your fingers! The bite is terribly powerful. If possible lay the child on the side, and try to gently push the jaw forward to assure an adequate airway.
Will the child simply come out of it eventually?
In most cases the whole thing is self limiting, and the child will either go to sleep afterwards breathing normally, or wake up. The patient may seem quite vague and wonder what all the fuss is about.
What about medication?
Never attempt to medicate an unconscious person, for this could cause choking. Afterward, when fully awake, paracetamol elixir to reduce the fever is often a good idea.
When should the doctor be called?
Often by the time the doctor arrives, the child will have come out of the fit. But a check is worthwhile to establish the cause. It may be a chest or car infection. Antibiotics for this may be ordered, and the entire course should be taken.
Is permanent medication necessary to prevent further fits?
Much work is currently being carried on about this all over the world. Generally it is believed that with one or two isolated fits related to infections and fevers, subsequent long-term therapy is not necessary. But with recurring bouts, doctors may prescribe medication. This seems capable of checking recurrences. But each case is assessed by the doctor and any treatment must be under proper supervision.