Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur in young children and are triggered by fever, typically above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) . The fever that causes febrile seizures is usually caused by a viral infection, and less commonly by a bacterial infection. The flu (influenza) virus and the virus that causes roseola, which often are accompanied by high fevers, appear to be most frequently associated with febrile seizures. Febrile seizures can also happen when there’s a rapid rise in temperature, and a child may not have a fever at the time of the seizure but will develop one a few hours later.

The exact cause of febrile seizures is unknown, but they are linked to the start of a fever. In most cases, a high temperature is caused by an infection such as the flu, chickenpox, or an ear infection. Febrile seizures are most common in children between 6 months and 5 years of age, with the greatest risk between 12 and 18 months of age.

Its important to note that having a febrile seizure does not mean a child has epilepsy. Epilepsy involves repeat seizures that are not triggered by fever. To diagnose febrile seizures in infants and children, healthcare providers will review a childs medical history and perform a physical exam. They often test blood and urine to help pinpoint the cause of the fever.

Most febrile seizures produce no lasting effects. Simple febrile seizures dont cause brain damage, intellectual disability, or learning disabilities, and they usually stop on their own within a few minutes. However, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or is accompanied by vomiting, a stiff neck, breathing problems, or extreme sleepiness, its important to seek immediate medical attention.