Febrile convulsions in children: Don’t panic! The emergency plan for parents
Dr. med. Vasiliki Vasilopoulou
October 27, 2026
5 min
A febrile seizure in your own child usually comes as a great shock to parents. When a child suddenly loses consciousness or starts twitching, panic often sets in. What triggers this condition and how should you react correctly in an emergency? In this guide, you’ll learn about the medical causes and receive practical first-aid advice. In addition, Dr Vasiliki Vasilopoulou, senior consultant at the paediatric emergency department at Zollikerberg Hospital, explains how parents can remain calm and when to call the emergency services.
Dr Vasilopoulou, what exactly happens in a child’s body during a febrile convulsion?
A febrile convulsion is a brief seizure in infants and young children triggered by a sudden rise in body temperature. It usually manifests as sudden stiffness of the body, twitching and loss of consciousness, and occurs most frequently in children aged between 6 months and 6 years.
The rapidly rising fever, which is often caused by a common viral infection such as a cold, flu or an ear infection, overstimulates the electrical signals in the young, still-developing brain. This leads to a sudden, uncontrolled and simultaneous discharge of many nerve cells.
What is the best course of action for parents if their child has a seizure, and what should they strictly avoid?
In an emergency, the most important thing is to stay calm. Lay your child on the floor or another flat, soft surface to prevent injury. Then place them in the recovery position so that saliva or vomit can drain away easily and the airways remain clear. Also, check the time to estimate the duration of the fit accurately.
You must never leave your child alone whilst the febrile convulsion is ongoing. However, under no circumstances should you actively intervene: do not put anything in the child’s mouth, do not try to forcibly stop the convulsions, and do not pour cold water over the child. A febrile convulsion usually lasts 2 to 3 minutes, but no longer than 15 minutes.
How can parents tell the difference between a harmless shiver and a genuine febrile convulsion?
During a febrile convulsion, the child is unconscious or unresponsive; during a shiver, however, they are awake and alert (even if they appear exhausted).
How high is the risk of a febrile convulsion recurring, and should one try to prevent a further febrile convulsion by bringing the fever down early?
Around 30 per cent of affected children experience a second seizure, and around 10 per cent experience three or more. The likelihood of this increases if the parents or siblings have also had febrile convulsions.
Studies show that fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen cannot prevent febrile convulsions, as these often herald the initial rise in temperature or begin unnoticed. Preventative long-term treatment with anti-epileptic drugs is also not advisable due to the side effects.
If a child has already had a complicated or recurrent febrile seizure, the paediatrician may prescribe an emergency medication for future seizures.
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After a febrile convulsion, the child is often very tired and exhausted. Even if the seizure has passed and the child appears to be well again, parents should always contact their regular paediatrician’s surgery or our paediatric out-of-hours service. A prompt medical examination is essential to rule out any other serious causes of the seizure and to discuss the next steps. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
A febrile convulsion often traumatises the parents, not the child. What advice would you give to mums and dads?
Parents should not blame themselves and should try to stay calm if their child has another seizure. It is very important that parents have a specific emergency plan and are fully familiar with it. This will allay their fears and restore their sense of security and confidence in their ability to act.
Even though an uncomplicated febrile seizure may look dramatic, it is usually harmless and does not cause any damage to the brain. The child’s development and intelligence are not affected. Nor is it a form of epilepsy.
Important for parents: Don’t panic and don’t blame yourself
A straightforward febrile convulsion looks dramatic, but is medically harmless. It does not cause brain damage, does not affect your child’s intelligence or development, and is not epilepsy.
Peace of mind through an emergency plan
A clear emergency plan gives you the confidence and ability to act when the time comes. By keeping a cool head, keeping an eye on the time and seeking medical advice afterwards, you can safely manage the situation.
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