I tried to shake it offI was still a new mom, probably overreacting.
When he woke up, he seemed less cranky than before, though still hot to the touch.
We cuddled up on the couch with a snack and a movie.
Then it happened again.
He was convulsing steadily with an ashen color, glazed-over eyes and a contorted body.
I stood up, carefully cradling his tiny body in my arms, and called 911.
I had never seen a seizure in real life, especially not happening to a little kid.
Especially not my baby.
Two to five percent of American children willexperience a febrile seizure before the age of five.
Heres what all parents need to know about them.
Other symptoms to look for are general unresponsiveness, urination, vomiting and lethargy.
These episodes usually last seconds, but sometimes up to 2 or 3 minutes, saysDr.
Jarret Patton, a pediatrician in Pennsylvania.
Alison Mitzner,a pediatrician in New York.
It does not mean that they will go on to develop epilepsy.
However, if they have a few seizures when febrile, it may indicate an underlying seizure disorder.
Heres What to Do During a Febrile Seizure:
Stay as calm as possible.
Remove any present dangers, like falling objects, unsteady surfaces, blankets or choking hazards.
Dont worry about trying to cool down your child, as it wont necessarily impact the fever.
Focus on safety first and allow the seizure to run its course.
Note what time the seizure starts and stops.
For any seizure under 3 minutes, ensure your child is seen by a physician that same day.
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, call 911 immediately.
Pay attention to details: did he or she lose consciousness?
