How to treat a febrile convulsion

If this is an emergency, please call 000 immediately.

What is a febrile convulsion?

A rapid rise in body temperature can cause convulsions. This occurs most often in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

A febrile seizure is a fit or convulsion caused by a sudden change in your child's body temperature, and is usually associated with a fever.

This guide is regularly updated and aligns with the current edition of Australian First Aid (4th edition, 7/2011)

Signs and Symptoms

 

  • Fever
  • Muscle stiffening
  • Twitching or jerking of face or limbs
  • Eyes rolling upwards
  • Blue lips, face, earlobes, fingernails
  • Loss of consciousness

 

What to do

During the convulsion

Place the child on their side for safety.

 

 

DO NOT restrain the child.

 

DO NOT cool the child by sponging or bathing, but do remove excess clothing.

 

After the convulsion

Follow DRSABCD.

 

Remove excess clothing or wrappings.

 

Seek medical aid.

 

Resources

Febrile convulsions fact sheet

CPR on an infant wallet card

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