Febrile seizure

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

A febrile seizure is a convulsion in young children caused by a sudden spike in body temperature, often from an infection.  Watching your child experience a febrile seizure can be alarming. It may last only a few minutes, but it may seem like an eternity.

Fortunately, febrile seizures aren't as dangerous as they may look. A seizure triggered by a sudden fever is usually harmless and typically doesn't indicate a long-term or ongoing problem. Often, a febrile seizure occurs before parents even realize that their child is ill.

Being sure the child is safe during a seizure, offering comfort afterward and following up with a doctor's visit are good approaches for handling a febrile seizure.

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Symptoms