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Cooling down doesn't prevent fits |
You cannot actually prevent a convulsion by bringing a child’s temperature down, even with paracetamol. Tepid sponging, fanning and undressing also do not reduce the risk of fitting.
A febrile convulsion is a fit or seizure caused by fever. During a fit, the child may jerk or twitch, may become stiff or floppy, be unaware of their surroundings or have difficulty breathing. About 3% of children will have a febrile fit, usually between the ages of six months and five years.
Febrile convulstions are usually caused by the rapid rise in temperature rather than the high fever itself, often at the start of an infection.
Most febrile fits settle on their own within 5-10 minutes and the child will often remain sleepy for a while after that. Two out of three children will not have any further fits.
Febrile fits can be frightening for parents but are rarely harmful. They do not cause brain damage or epilepsy.
First aid for fits
If your child has a febrile fit:
· Lie the child on the side and stay with the child
· Call an ambulance (ring 000) if the fit lasts more than five minutes
· Go to your doctor as soon as the fit finishes. Sometimes there is a serious infection which needs to be treated.
Should fever be treated?
Fever itself (unless extremely high) is not harmful and actually helps the body fight off infection. Paracetamol and other measures can be used to treat pain or discomfort but should rarely be used to simply treat fever.Disclaimer:
Please note this information was correct at time of printing.
For up to date information, speak to your doctor. Source: Winter 1999 Edition | Page 4
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