When my son first experienced a mild shake during a fever, I dismissed it as just another quirk of illness—something akin to those little jerks kids make when they drift off to sleep. But everything changed when he was around 3 years old. Sick with a common virus, he suddenly sat upright in bed, his eyes vacant, body convulsing, and teeth chattering. I tried to reach him, but it was like he was in another world.
The episode felt endless, though it was likely only a few minutes. I called my partner, panicked, seeking answers. He reassured me, “It’s probably just the fever; he’ll be alright.” To my relief, he was right. Just like that, the seizure ended, and my son fell back into a deep, feverish slumber.
We quickly consulted a doctor, who had a calm demeanor as she ran through a series of questions. I struggled to understand how she could remain so composed while I was in full-on panic mode. “It sounds like a febrile seizure due to the virus,” she said. “It’s quite common, nothing to be alarmed about. Bring him in once he wakes up.”
While I appreciated her reassurances, my anxiety didn’t dissipate immediately. I sat by my son’s side as he slept—sniffling, hot, and whimpering. Thankfully, the seizure activity was gone. At the doctor’s office, he was diagnosed with nothing more serious than a virus. The physician reiterated that febrile seizures are common in young children, occurring in about 3-4 out of every 100 kids, particularly between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Resources like Healthy Children, part of The Academy of American Pediatrics, clarify that while these seizures can be alarming, they are harmless and do not cause any lasting damage.
Over the next few days, I felt reassured by the information from healthcare professionals, including the insights from Dr. Google. But the emotional aftershocks lingered long after the incident. No matter how harmless they are deemed to be, febrile seizures are undeniably frightening. My son experienced several more episodes, and even with knowledge of their benign nature, I found myself panicking each time. Watching your child convulse and drool is nothing short of a nightmare.
Fortunately, he outgrew these episodes, as many parents assured me he would. Then, I had another son, who also experienced febrile seizures. Yet again, my heart raced, even though I knew what was happening.
In the grand scheme of parenting, I recognize that many families face far worse challenges. But febrile seizures? They can go straight to hell. For any parent who has witnessed this, know you’re not alone in feeling traumatized. It’s perfectly natural to react with fear when your child is in distress.
For those who may not have encountered febrile seizures, I hope you never do. However, knowing about them now is probably wise. I certainly would have appreciated some prior knowledge when I first witnessed my son’s seizure, although I’m convinced I would’ve still panicked—because that’s just how parenting works sometimes, right?
For those navigating the world of parenthood, you might find useful resources at CDC’s ART page and insights on expected arrival dates, which can help ease your journey. And if you’re considering ways to expand your family, check out our post about the at-home insemination kit for more information.
In summary, while febrile seizures are common among children, the experience can be incredibly frightening for parents. Understanding their nature and the fact that they are generally harmless can help alleviate some of the fear, but the emotional impact is real and lasting.