A convulsion in a child, lasting a short time, associated with a fever.
Convulsion occurring in a child, aged six months to six years, with a high temperature, during which the limbs twitch and he or she may lose consciousness. The condition is common, with one child in 20 suffering from it. It is not usually serious, occurring generally during an infection such as measles or tonsillitis. The brain and nervous system are normal in most cases. Treatment is by sponging the body with tepid water and attention to the underlying cause, with the child placed in the recovery position. It is important to rule out more serious illness, such as meningitis, if the child seems ill.
A tonic-clonic seizure occurring in children between ages 6 months and 5 years who have no other signs of CNS infection or CNS abnormalities. About 3% to 5% of children will have this type of seizure, thought to be caused by a rapid rise in body temperature to 102. 5°F or higher. Boys are more susceptible than girls. The seizure rarely lasts more than 10 minutes, and repeat seizures during the same febrile episode are uncommon. The risk for a seizure during the next febrile illness is 30%, and for the episode after that 17%. A complete history and physical examination should include neurological appraisal to rule out other causes, such as epilepsy; acute lead encephalopathy; cerebral concussion, hemorrhage, or tumor; hypoglycemia; or poisoning with a convulsant drug.
In children, following a sudden elevation in body temperature, there can be involuntary limb twitching or jerking accompanied by a loss of consciousness. These episodes, known as febrile convulsions, are prevalent and typically impact children ranging from six months to five years of age.
The occurrence of convulsions is attributed to the underdevelopment of the temperature-regulating mechanism in the brain. This immaturity causes the child’s body temperature to increase rapidly in response to infections like measles or influenza.
The treatment approach involves reducing the child’s temperature by gently sponging their face and body with lukewarm water while utilizing a fan. In susceptible children, the onset of seizures can often be averted by administering paracetamol at the initial indications of fever.
The majority of children who experience one or multiple febrile convulsions do not encounter any lasting consequences. Nonetheless, there is a minute likelihood of developing epilepsy, which is slightly higher in children with a pre-existing abnormality in the brain or nervous system, or those with a family history of epilepsy.