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Febrile convulsions

One in 50 children will have a febrile convulsion by the age of five. They are caused by a rapid rise in temperature, up to 38.5��C or 39��C. They usually occur at the start of an illness, most commonly upper respiratory tract infections, otitis media, bronchopneumonia or gastrointestinal infection. Children aged six months to five years can be affected, most at the younger end of the range. While worrying, a febrile convulsion is unlikely to cause harm.

Symptoms
Your child has a fever, loses consciousness and may stop breathing for a very short time. The limbs become stiff or floppy, the body may jerk and eyes could roll back for a minute or two. On regaining consciousness, he may seem confused or irritable, then sleeps for several hours.

What to do
Hold your child in your arms or lie on a surface such as a cot or bed, on one side with the head lower than the body if possible. Loosen tight clothing, remove warm clothing and a dummy if he is sucking one. Stay with him through the convulsion. When it is over, call a doctor (unless it has happened before and the doctor has advised you do not need to call). Once fully conscious give paracetamol, to reduce his temperature. If he wants to sleep, prop him on his side using a blanket to stop him rolling on his back. If he is not breathing normally after a convulsion, or it lasts more than five minutes, call 999 for emergency help. If he is under the age of one, your doctor may refer you to your local hospital to investigate the cause of the fever.

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