Febrile Seizures: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Few things are more terrifying than watching your toddler have a seizure. But febrile seizures — seizures triggered by rapid temperature spikes during fever — are more common than most parents realise, and understanding them can make all the difference.

What Happens

Febrile seizures occur when a child's temperature spikes rapidly. The key word is rapidly — the seizure can happen at temperatures as low as 99.5 if the rise is sudden. Parents who have experienced it describe it as the worst few hours of their lives.

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What to Do During a Fever

Monitor temperature every hour. A Braun ear thermometer allows quick readings without fully waking the child.

Give paracetamol (Calpol) when temperature reaches 100.3. Do not wait for higher numbers. Maintain a strict schedule — write down every dose with the time.

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If paracetamol is ineffective, switch to ibuprofen (Ibugesic). Some children respond better to one than the other. You can alternate between the two with appropriate gaps.

Tepid sponging helps prevent spikes. Focus on the chest, forehead, and underarms. Use room temperature water, not cold.

Do not cover the child heavily — allow heat to escape.

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Prevention Medications

Your paediatrician may prescribe Frisium (Clobazam) for seizure prevention during fevers. Some parents are apprehensive about long-term use, and this is worth discussing with your doctor.

Midazolam 0.5mg nasal spray is prescribed as an emergency SOS medication. The lower-strength version for toddlers can be hard to find — try hospital pharmacies at Manipal HAL or Rainbow Sarjapur in Bangalore.

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The Emotional Aftermath

Parents consistently report that the trauma of witnessing a febrile seizure stays with them long after the child has recovered. Every subsequent fever triggers intense anxiety. This is completely normal. Seek support from your partner, community, or a therapist if the anxiety becomes overwhelming.

The silver lining: febrile seizures, while terrifying, are generally harmless. Children bounce back quickly. And being informed — knowing what to watch for, what medication to give, and when to go to the ER — gives you the best chance of staying calm when it matters most.

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