Your Childrens Health

It is not unusual for babies and toddlers to experience at least one febrile convulsion - although it can be quite frightening for parents. Febrile convulsions are convulsions that result from a sudden rise in temperature; often the result of a stomach bug or an infection such as bronchitis.

If your child has a high temperature and you see their eyes roll and he or she suddenly goes rigid and begins to shake or convulse, then it is quite likely that they are having a febrile convulsion. While you should always call a doctor if this happens there are some things you can do to relieve the symptoms or to stop them before they occur. If the convulsion has already begun then try to ensure that the child is on his or her side and loosen all clothing. Get someone to fetch a bowl with tepid water and a cloth and start to sponge your child down - the aim is to reduce the temperature as quickly as possible and hopefully end the convulsion.

Once you have experienced the onset of a febrile convulsion it will be easier to avoid in future by trying to keep your child’s temperature below a certain level - again you can sponge them down with tepid water; but make sure that they don’t get too cold.  Some children never experience febrile convulsions and those who do may only ever have the one.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 at 2:45 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.