Febrile Convulsion
Advice intended for parents/ carers taking their child home after seeing a doctor.
When should you worry?
RED
If your child has any of the following:
- Has a fit that lasts longer than 5 minutes
- They have one fit after another without being awake in between
- They are seriously injured during the fit
- Remains drowsy or confused more than an hour after their fit
- Has weakness of the arms or legs, visual difficulties (double vision) or difficulty speaking after the fit has stopped
- They have trouble breathing after the fit has stopped
- Breathing very fast or breathing that stops or pauses
- Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the rib, unable to talk or noisy breathing (grunting)
- Becomes pale, blue, mottled and/or unusually cold to touch
- Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure and seems unwell (see the 'Glass Test')
You need urgent help.
Please phone 999 or go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department.
AMBER
If your child has any of the following:
- Has another fit (less than 5 minutes) within the same illness
- Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- Noisy breathing (stridor) only when upset
- Dry skin, lips, tongue or looking pale
- Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 12 hours
- Poor feeding in babies (less than half of their usual amount)
- Irritable (Unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
- A temperature 39°C or above in babies 3-6 months
- Temperature of 38°C or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever (rigors)
- Getting worse and I am still worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
Green
If none of the above is present
- Seizure lasting less than 5 minutes with full recovery in a child with previous febrile convulsions or known epilepsy
- Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
- If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.
Self care
Using the advice below and overleaf you can provide the care your child needs at home.
Advice and Guidance
Self care and Prevention
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