Febrile Seizure

A febrile seizure is abnormal electrical activity in your child’s brain that can happen while your child has a fever. Some of the most common symptoms include uncontrollable shaking (convulsions) and a short-term loss of consciousness.

These seizures affect children between 6 months and 5 years of age. They most commonly occur in the first three years of life.

Most febrile seizures aren’t dangerous, but they can be worrying for new parents and caregivers. A healthcare provider should evaluate your child when they happen.

What are the types of febrile seizures?

There are two types of febrile seizures:

Simple febrile seizure: The seizure lasts fewer than 15 minutes. It usually causes a loss of consciousness and uncontrollable movements. Your child only has one seizure in 24 hours.
Complex febrile seizure: The seizure lasts longer than 15 minutes. There could be pauses between convulsions or movements could happen constantly. Sometimes, symptoms only affect one side of their body. More than one seizure can happen within 24 hours.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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