Seizures (Fever Fits)

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Fever seizures, or "fever fits," are caused by extremely high fevers. Although anyone can have a seizure, seizures are most common in children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Fewer than one-half of all children who experience a seizure will experience a second seizure.

Most seizures last only a few seconds to a few minutes and are basically harmless for the child. Seizures lasting longer (more than 30 minutes), however, can be dangerous. When this occurs, follow these steps:

• Place the child on the bed to protect the child's head from hitting anything hard.
• Make sure the patient can breath. Clear food and vomit from the mouth. Pull the neck back slightly and turn the head to one side.
• Do not force anything into the child's mouth. It is not necessary to force an object into the mouth to avoid biting the tongue. This may actually cause harm.
• Reduce the fever by sponging the child or placing the child in a tepid bath. Do not give medication by mouth to the child while he or she is unconscious or seizing.
• Call your doctor.
• Check the patient's temperature every 30 minutes until the fever drops below 102°F, then stop sponging.