Dear Readers,

Sandra writes from Spanish Town, St Catherine about a frightening experience where her 18-month-old son suffered convulsions when he had a very high fever. She describes how afraid she is about this event ever recurring. She has visited her paediatrician and the youngster seems to be in good health. However, Sandra is asking LIFELINE to explain why these seizures occurred and how to prevent them.

In certain families, there seems to be a strong genetic tendency for children between ages one and three to suffer convulsions when they run high temperatures. Often, on enquiry, other family members have had the experience. In most cases, by five to six years old, the tendency to experience febrile convulsions ceases. However, in about five to 10 per cent of these children, the seizures continue and these children become epileptics.

About three to four per cent of young children will experience a seizure triggered by a high fever and this is most often seen in children 14-18 months old.

Not harmful

Febrile convulsions are not usually harmful to the child, but occasionally they can be prolonged. Every febrile convulsion should be taken seriously and stopped as soon as possible. The most common cause of the fever experienced is a viral infection of the ear or respiratory track, so colds and runny noses must be properly attended to prevent the onset of fever. Most febrile seizures last between a few seconds to 10 minutes and occur when the body temperature rises rapidly to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees centigrade) or above. When a seizure occurs, the child's body is affected, legs and arms become rigid before contracting in spasms and often there is drooling from the mouth.

The eyes tend to roll over backwards. Sometimes there is loss of control of the muscles of the anus and bladder resulting in involuntary soiling of clothes and passing urine. After body spasms cease, the child tends to remain drowsy for a time. The major characteristics of febrile convulsions are:

❒ Fever

❒ Generalised seizures affecting the entire body

❒ Episode lasts no longer than 15 minutes.

If these characteristics are not present, then the child should be thoroughly investigated for other causes of seizures which should include epilepsy and brain tumours.

Actions to take when a child is experiencing a seizure include:

❒ Do not panic

❒ Do not leave the child unattended

❒ Keep the airway open by holding the head slightly backwards with the chin up.

❒ Try to cool down the child by wiping him or her with tepid to cool water.

❒ Do not try to hold the spasming limbs; when the seizure ends and the child wakes, give him or her medicine to reduce the fever. E.g. Panadol, Tylenol, Brufren, Cataflam.

To prevent febrile convulsions in susceptible children, give the child fever-reducing medication immediately, if fever is detected.

Keep the child as cool as possible. Remove thick clothing and sponge with tepid water if necessary.

Any persistent fever in a child should be evaluated by a physician.

If the child experiences febrile convulsions regularly, they may be placed on anti-conversant medication for a period of time (month to years).

Any child who has had a seizure must be evaluated by a physician who will decide if further tests are necessary immediately, or who should continue to observe the child.

Write Lifeline

P.O. Box 1731

Kingston 8