Every parent understands that caring for a sick child is a daunting experience. A simple illness, like a cold, feels magnified when it’s your child who is suffering. Add a fever into the mix, and it can change the entire situation.
Managing fevers in young children can be overwhelming. What temperature qualifies as a fever? When is it considered too high? Should you administer Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or both? How frequently should you give medication? And what if the fever doesn’t respond to treatment? Thankfully, we have access to temporal thermometers and can consult with triage nurses when needed. However, one alarming symptom of fever that caught me completely off-guard was a febrile seizure.
It was a typical day in my household. My two sons, aged three and eighteen months, were playing in the living room while I prepared lunches for our trip to the zoo. My partner was loading the cooler and wagon into the car when my youngest began to whine. I attributed his fussiness to impending nap time.
We paused our plans and rocked him, but I noticed he felt a bit warm. After taking his temperature and discovering it was around 100 degrees, I administered some Tylenol. I thought nothing more of it as I settled back down in the rocking chair with him. As he began to drift off, I too started to doze. Suddenly, he twitched, jolting me awake. I felt his forehead; the medicine hadn’t yet taken effect.
Then, he twitched again, but this time, something felt wrong. His little body began to stiffen, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he started trembling. I immediately called for my partner, “Something is wrong! Come here now!” He rushed in, clearly alarmed by what he saw. I suspected our baby was having a seizure. I handed him off to my partner and quickly dialed 911, while our older son looked on, terrified.
My partner reassured him, “It’s okay, buddy. He’s going to be fine.” But I wasn’t convinced. The seizure felt like it lasted forever. The 911 operator calmly instructed me to lay my son on the floor away from anything harmful, to let the seizure run its course, and not to place anything in his mouth. Timing the seizure was crucial, as most febrile seizures last less than three minutes. The paramedics were on their way.
Though the incident lasted only a few minutes, it felt like an eternity. Finally, the seizure subsided, and my little one lay limp. I was terrified—would he return to being the joyful child he once was?
By the time the paramedics arrived, we had managed to calm down. My son was starting to stir but remained lethargic. Since I was too shaken to drive, we rode in the ambulance to the children’s hospital. Upon arrival, the nurses took his temperature—it was 104. They provided fluids and medication to lower it and informed me about febrile seizures.
Febrile seizures occur due to fever and can be triggered by a rapid increase in temperature or a very high fever. Statistics suggest that one in twenty children will experience a febrile seizure during childhood, yet the majority outgrow them by age five. My son, now seven, had several febrile seizures during his early years, but knowing what to do has helped alleviate the fear.
What to Do If Your Child Experiences a Seizure
If your child experiences a seizure, remain calm. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends laying your child on the floor in a safe area, positioning them on their side to keep the airway clear, and never placing anything in their mouth. Timing the seizure is important; call 911 if it lasts longer than three minutes or if your child does not regain consciousness. Afterward, your child may feel sleepy. Once fully awake, you might consider administering fever-reducing medicine but consult your pediatrician first.
Though febrile seizures can be frightening, they are relatively common and typically not harmful. Being prepared and knowing how to respond can ease the situation for both you and your child. Make sure all caregivers are informed about what to do in case of a seizure. With knowledge and preparation, you can navigate these challenges more confidently. For more information on home insemination, check out this post about the at-home insemination kit, and if you’re looking for guidance on waiting for insurance to kick in, visit this resource. Additionally, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination advice.
In summary, while febrile seizures can be alarming, they are generally not dangerous and are often outgrown. Understanding what to do during such an episode can significantly reduce fear and anxiety.