Febrile seizures are seizures associated with the onset of a rapidly rising fever, usually in children aged 6 months to 5 years. During a febrile seizure, a child will lose consciousness, and both arms and legs will shake uncontrollably .

Most seizures last less than 5 minutes. Although frightening to parents, they cause no long term harm, and they do not indicate that the child has epilepsy.

During a febrile seizure, remain calm. Lay the child down on a safe flat surface, on their side, to avoid choking. Never put your finger, or any object, in a child’s mouth while they are having a seizure.

Expect a period of grogginess after the resolution of the seizure activity. Control the fever with fever reducers when the child is alert and able to swallow.

Note the duration of the seizure and call 911 if it lasts longer than 5 minutes. If this is your child’s first febrile seizure please contact your doctor’s office for guidance.