Overview
About 1 in 3 children will have another.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Seizure with fever in a young child
Less common
- Eyes rolling back
Look up a symptom: Fever
When to get medical care
Call 911Seizure over 5 minutes, trouble breathing, or child doesn't wake up.
Get care todayThe first fever seizure.
See a doctor soonAny fever seizure.
Causes
Fever.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Family history
Diagnosis
A clinician checks the cause of fever.
Treatment
During a seizure.
Self-care
- Lay child on their side
- Don't put anything in their mouth
- Time it
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain and fever relievers | Pain and fever | No ibuprofen under 6 months; dose by weight. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Prevention
To lower your risk or prevent problems:
- None proven
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your child's pediatrician.
- They may send you to a pediatric specialist: a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- Epilepsy Foundation: Seizure first aid training and a 24/7 helpline.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Children 6 months to 5 years: Most common.
For caregivers
- Learn the warning signs and when to call the doctor or 911.
- Keep a list of your child's medicines, doses, and doctors on your phone.
- Tell teachers, coaches, and sitters what to watch for and what to do.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Outgrown.
Myths and facts
Myth: A fever seizure means a child has epilepsy.
Fact: Most children with fever seizures never get epilepsy.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
Questions to ask
- Will it happen again?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Fever seizure in a child (febrile seizure)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.