The convulsion, febrile - Twitching or jerking of the limbs with loss of consciousness that occurs in a child after a rapid rise in body temperature. Febrile convulsions are common and usually affect children between the ages of six months and five years.
CAUSES:
The convulsions are due to immaturity of the temperature-lowering mechanism in the brain; the mechanism allows the child’s body temperature to rise too rapidly in response to infections such as measles or influenza.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION:
Treatment involves lowering the temperature by sponging the child’s face and body with tepid water and using a fan. Seizures can often be prevented in susceptible children by giving paracetamol at the first signs of fever.
OUTLOOK:
Most children who have one or more febrile convulsions suffer no long-term effects. However, there is a very small risk of developing epilepsy, which is increased in children with a pre-existing abnormality of the brain or nervous system, or children with a family history of epilepsy.
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