Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in young children in association with fever, most commonly between about 6 months and 5 years. This page provides general information on what febrile seizures are, which situations need urgent assessment, and which specialists may be involved. For diagnosis or personalised recommendations, contact a healthcare professional or local health service.
A febrile seizure shows as temporary involuntary shaking or altered responsiveness during a febrile illness. Most occur in otherwise well children aged roughly 6 months to 5 years. Simple febrile seizures are brief and single; some children have complex features such as prolonged or focal seizures or repeated events.
Fever itself triggers these seizures; the underlying cause is usually an infection that raises body temperature. A family history of febrile seizures, an early first episode, or existing neurodevelopmental concerns can increase the likelihood of recurrence. Rapid rises in temperature appear to lower the seizure threshold in some children.
Seek immediate medical help if a seizure lasts more than a few minutes, the child has difficulty breathing, does not regain normal responsiveness between events, has repeated seizures without recovery, or there are other serious systemic signs. If any emergency signs are present, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Initial assessment is usually performed by a paediatrician or emergency clinician who will look for the fever source and assess recovery. Routine investigations may include basic tests guided by the clinical situation. Children with atypical features, recurrent seizures, or concerns about development are often referred to a paediatric neurologist for further evaluation and advice.
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