Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Febrile Seizures in Children Treatment

Seeing a child have a seizure is frightening, and you should seek emergency help to be safe. But seizures often don't cause serious health problems. Febrile seizures, which happen during a fever, can be common in toddlers and young children.

Call 911 if:

  • The child stops breathing or is turning blue
  • This is the child's first seizure
  • Seizure lasts more than ten minutes or is accompanied by breathing problems
  • The child is not awake and alert after seizure

When to Call a Doctor

  • If your child has had a seizure before and your pediatrician has told you what to do, you should still call your pediatrician.

 

1. Keep Your Child Safe

  • Place the child on the floor and clear away objects that are close.
  • Don't put anything in the child's mouth.
  • Move the child onto his side, and clear out his mouth if he vomits.
  • Don't try to hold the child down or restrain her movements.
  • Do not leave the child unattended.

 

2. Follow Up

  • The doctor will most likelywant to examine the child.
  • The doctor may want to do testing to make sure the child does not have a serious infection, especially if the child is under 1 year old.
  • The doctor will advise you how to lower fever. Do not try to lower fever after a seizure without consulting your doctor.
  • Hospitalization is usually not necessary.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, FAAP on October 14, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More