Febrile Seizure

Fever-induced seizures, also called febrile seizures, are episodes that occur in some young children when body temperature rises rapidly. They usually appear in early childhood and, in most cases, are brief.

How they may present:

• Rhythmic movements or stiffness of the body.
• Momentary loss of consciousness or a blank stare.
• Gradual recovery after the episode.

When should you see a doctor? A first seizure, a prolonged episode, or one that recurs the same day requires care to rule out other causes.

Which specialist assesses it? The pediatrician performs the initial evaluation of the child and, when it is advisable to look deeper, the pediatric neurologist studies the nervous system. In the face of an episode like this, the most sensible course is to have a professional review the child and provide guidance to the family.