Going home after your visit
After a febrile convulsion
What happened, what to do if it happens again, and when to get help.
Your child has had a febrile convulsion — a fit (seizure) brought on by a high temperature. They are frightening to watch, but are common in young children, usually harmless, and do not mean your child has epilepsy.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 now if any of these happen
A short fit that stops on its own and is followed by full recovery is not usually an emergency — these are.
- The fit lasts more than 5 minutes
- Another fit starts before they have recovered from the first
- The stiffness or twitching is on only one side of their body
- They have trouble breathing, or go blue or grey
- They do not wake up properly, or stay very sleepy more than an hour afterwards
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- A stiff neck, or they are floppy, or you are seriously worried about them
CALL 999 While you wait: move hard objects away, cushion the head, do not restrain them or put anything in the mouth, and roll them onto their side once the jerking stops.
Get same-day reassessment if any of these happen
They should be seen the same day — go to the ED or the service named above. This does not need an ambulance if they have recovered.
- This was your child's first-ever fit, even if they have now completely recovered
- They have had more than one fit in 24 hours, but recovered fully from each
- They are not back to their normal self a couple of hours afterwards
- The fever is not settling, or they are drinking much less than usual
- You are worried about how they look or are behaving
If your child has another fit
- Stay calm and note the time it starts.
- Move them somewhere safe and cushion their head; clear away hard objects.
- Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.
- Do not put them in a bath.
- Once it stops, roll them onto their side, comfort them and let them rest.
- Most febrile fits stop within a few minutes.
Managing the fever
- Offer regular drinks.
- You can give paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is distressed.
- Medicine helps them feel better but does not stop another febrile fit.
- Do not undress them or sponge them with cold water.
- Let them rest.
What is normal afterwards
After a short febrile fit, it is common for your child to be:
SleepyTearful or clingyConfused for a few minutesSlow to get back to normal
This usually settles within an hour. If it does not, get advice.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a severe breathing or circulation problem
ED / urgent service
A warning sign above that needs same-day reassessment
111
Urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, or you are unsure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team / GP
Use the number and follow-up plan in Your care details above