2. FEBRILE SEIZURES - Parental information
The following text has been taken from a leaflet german written in 1991 by Dr. Monker Schweiger and Dr. Franz Staudt, senior consultants at the paediatric hospital, Passau, Germany.
This information leaflet on febrile spasms (febrile seizures) has proved to be very worthwhile in our hospital. It can’t and, indeed, shouldn’t replace talking with the parents, but we have had the experience that it makes the dialogue more effective. Furthermore, registered doctors with their own practices know what has been discussed with the parents. That is why we think it is sensible to publicize this leaflet for a wider audience. We would be grateful for any coments on your experiences with this kind of enlightenment over such common symptoms.
Febrile spasms: Questions and answers
Dear Parents,
your child has had a febrile spasm. This fit was a very terrifying event for you and you must have many questions you want to ask. We will try to give you as much information as possible with this leaflet.
What is a febrile spasm?
This is a fit which occurs commonly in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, i.e. between the baby and toddler phase. This can happen at the beginning of a feverish illness, during the increase in temperature or during a fever that has been present for some days. Other expressions for febrile spasms are feverish spasms/convulsions. Febrile spasms are very common. Approximately 2-4% of all children under 4 years of age suffer from from them.
Can such a spasm be recurring?
Yes, approximately on third of children with a febrile spasm suffer from a further fit.
Does a febrile spasm mean that our child has epilepsy?
No. A febrile spasm has nothing to do with an attack of an illness like epilepsy. As a rule, the risk of a child developing a fit illness after suffering a febrile spasm, in comparison to other children, is not substantially higher. Even repeated febrile spasms do not generally increase this risk.
What danger does a febrile spasm bring my child?
More often than not, parents experience a febrile spasm as if their child is going to die. Most attacks stop by themselves after a few minutes. Brain damage does not occur as a result of this.
What kind of checkups will be made?
The cause of the fever has to be found. Therefore, apart from a physical examination, various blood tests and in certain circumstances an examination of the spinal fluid will be carried out. A EEG as well as a eye examination is conducted on all children.
What preventative steps can be taken?
Take the child’s temperature frequently, at the first sign of a cold or an infection. At a temperature of 38.5°C, taken rectally, you should give your child the medicine prescribed by your doctor (suppositories or liquid). Cold compresses around the legs are also helpful. Drinking a lot of liquid is important for lowering the temperature.
What should I do if a febrile spasm returns?
You will receive emergency medication. This small enema contains a quick-acting spasm relieving agent. You should always keep this emergency medication within reach and, if possible, refrigerated.
What actually is fever?
Fever is itself not a disease, but rather indicates that the body is dealing with an illness. You should always seek advice from your family doctor if your child has a high temperature for no explicable reason and does not react to fever suppositories or other medication.
We hope this leaflet has already answered some of your questions. If you have further queries do not hesitate to ask your family doctor.
Authors‘ address: Priv- Doz Dr. Staudt, Chefarzt des Kinderkrankenhauses Passau, Schießgrabengasse 2, 8390 Passau
Last updated: am 09.09.2005 webmaster