I never treat my children's fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol or paracetamol) or ibuprofen, or any antipyretic. This is because there is no evidence they are of benefit in either preventing or treating febrile seizures. There is more reason to believe that the fever process will benefit the child following a seizure in the same way that fever, when present, helps a person's brain to limit the damage from a stroke. Two of my three children have had febrile convulsions, the other had a chronic fever of unknown cause but no seizures. As a nurse, I was initially very ready to give anti-pyretic medication for seizures or to prevent seizures during infection, but I looked into it, and the science is very sparse in support of this. What is monumentally clear, is the unthinking readiness of health care professionals to give these medications even, for example, after the event and when the temperature is coming down from only a modest peak anyway (i.e., 38.4°C). Thankfully, my children do not like the taste of these medications, and will only take them for a bad headache or other pain, if it bothers them enough. They do not seek them from the moment they become ill. I reserve these medications for pain alone. Fevers are there to help us fight infection. The immune system is a complicated information handling system, and we foolishly believe we can freely mess with it with medications that can disturb it. It is very hard to predict what exactly are the conditions to predict a seizure in childhood infection. My daughter was 18 months when she had her first seizure when she had rotavirus and a temperature of about 39.0°C (iirc). A virus she had been supposedly immunised against. Of course, the hospital nurse strongly pressured me to give paracetamol. A year later she had Covid 19 and a temperature of 39.9°C at its highest - no seizure. A year later she had a weepy eye infection and had a seizure at a temperature of 38.1°C. I suspect it was because I gave her a bath to remove all the dried secretions in her hair and face that caused the seizure - i.e., it acted as a cooling mechanism, which may be an event that triggers a seizure - but no one really knows. Last week she had an infection of unknown cause (cough, loose stools, vomiting, earache, headache). Her highest temperature was 40.1°C, but no seizure. She only had one dose of paracetamol as her headache had gotten really bad (I had been offering her paracetamol for the headache, but she had refused). The illness lasted 7 days. She is getting to the age where children are growing out of febrile convulsions, though. If a patient has a fever and feels cold, I give them a blanket, even if their temperature is very high at that point - that is why they feel cold. It is a signal from the immune system to the brain to get the person to raise their temperature. This is how we fight infections, through fever. In the same way, I allow my children to choose to wrap up or not to wrap up in a blanket when they have infection. Like drinks, a blanket is available for when they want it and they can kick it off when they no longer feel they want it. So, in summary the reasons I do not treat fevers or seizures with antipyretic medication are: 1 - We know fever is an adaptive mechanism that humans and many many animal species use to fight infection. 2 - We have good reason to believe the immune system cares for the brain following a stroke, through the fever process. Presumably the immune system has an ever better handle on dealing with infections, a far more common threat than stroke to humanity throughout our history. 3 - The immune system and fever process are, then, very highly developed and we have still no good evidence that giving children antipyretic medications helps them in anyway for febrile convulsions.
@jojobaja
7 ай бұрын
Regardless... motrin and tylenol help relieve symptoms of achiness thereby kids feel better and increases our kids desire to drink and eat. Less dehydration from fevers and lack of appetite right? ... our experience
@shadarraparker6735
3 ай бұрын
My son had his first febrile seizure due to Covid. His seizures were in clusters but only lasted a few seconds. He has had aother episode of them since. He twitches sometimes in his sleep. I am really concerned.
@scast922
8 ай бұрын
My son had his first febrile seizure this week at 14.5 months old. I thought we were going to lose him. I thought it was my fault for not giving him medicine right away. His fever was at 101 and an hour later he started what looked like staring into space, mouth open, body flaccid, and unresponsive but awake. I’ve learned more in your video than in our ER visit alone. Thank you for all your knowledge.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
8 ай бұрын
I'm sorry you had such a scary experience! But am glad you found my video helpful. Wishing you and your son the best!! ❤
@jenniferleary1323
7 ай бұрын
My 4yr old son recently had his 5th febrile seizure in the past 18 months. It was only 3 weeks after his previous seizure. This last one was pretty scary, his temperature was 100.5⁰ and i ended up starting cpr while waiting for ems because he was not breathing for quite some time and was blue. I'm so greatful for this video and comments to know we are not alone and not overreacting.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
7 ай бұрын
Definitely not alone and not overreacting❤ it is such a scary thing to witness as a parent
@BarksBBQ
26 күн бұрын
Just experienced my daughter who is 2 having a febrile seizure. It was a nightmare. Thank you for your comment and bringing awareness so I can brush up on cpr for toddlers.
@fahmidhasheerin9452
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Dr. Mona for talking about this. Does "family history" come under "complex febrile seizure"?? My husband used to get febrile seizures when he was a baby. My almost 3yo got her first febrile seizure last month. It was terrifying. Pediatrician recommended anti-seizure meds(clobazam) at the onset of every fever until 6 years. Is this because the seizure comes under the "complex" category? Thank you again from India✌️
@joudhafasil4192
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this video. My daughter has a febrile convulsions. It started when she was 15 months old. Convulsing is the first sign that shows she is not well and later we give her paracetamol. Totally she had 8 episodes of seizures. Now she is 2 and half years. My brother too had the seizures. I guess its because of family history. We consulted the neurologist and he checked and told its nothing to worry and suggested EEG. Her seizures usually lasts 7 minutes. I guess its actually a simple fabrile convulsions but once she had 3 episodes and she was tested corona positive and ran all the test and everything was normal. 3 weeks back she had 2 episodes. That was the reason the neurologist suggested its better to do EEG.. Just wanted to ask if its a must to do EEG.
@Yasmeen02Forever
Жыл бұрын
I experienced one as a 2 year old in 2004. And My Mom said it scared the Bejesus out of her!😰😰 I don’t remember it. I only know because some lady asked my mom if I ever experienced a Seizure before and my mom told her I did when I was 2 because my temperature was so high and I had a fever. And next year it'll be 20 YEARS Since my mom Witnessed my 2 year old self having a Febrile Seizure and my mom remembered it 16 years later. Because the lady asked my mom back in 2020.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Yes, they can be so scary to witness I'm sure it was memorable for your mom!
@Rosechongloi99
3 ай бұрын
5 Days Back my 19 month old toddler had her first febrile seizure I was so scared and didn’t know what to do I pick her up from her bed and started rubbing her back because she was not breathing and quite sometimes she was blue and there’s like water or foam coming out from her mouth I thought we were going to lose her My whole body and my voice shake because I was too scared When she’s back to normal we took her to nearest hospital and the doctor admitted us to hospital we stay there for 4 days We get discharged today she’s doing good now🙏🏽 Thankyou I find your videos useful ♥️🙏🏽
@gwendylanpusateri2947
4 ай бұрын
My daughter has had 104 fever the last few days, tylenol will bring it down to 98 sometimes, but then it goes right back up after the 4-5 hour mark. Shes 10 months and ehen the fever starts to come back she has boughts of shakey extremeties and shes still active and awake im jsut not sure if its anxiety and adrenaline from being poked like crazy last night or what? Her WBC count is high and has an infection i guess?
@christiek470
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for talking about Febrile Seizures, Dr Mona. Both my kids are diagnosed (based on EEG) as high risk for seizures. my son has had 5 febrile seizures in his 4 years of life. My daughter hasn't had any so far (she's 3) but her EEG was not normal. Their neurologist has put them on a daily anti-seizure medication and it breaks my heart to give them the meds every single day (worried about long term risks). I do not fully understand what's going on and would like to know if/when we can stop giving these meds? Will they get a seizure if we stop meds (only after consulting the neuro)? Do they repeat the EEG? Both their MRIs are normal. As far as we know, it's not genetic. I'm sorry for asking too many questions. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you again!
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this comment. First off, I completely relate to the feelings you have being on meds (my son had a seizure condition due to a stroke for the first year of his life and we were on two meds and then weaned to one and weaned off). I want to remind you that these meds have a benefit over a risk. If a child (or adult) is seizing; this can cause more difficulty for the brain than the meds. In terms of stopping meds, I have to pass that to your neuro team. THey will look at EEGS (spacing of these depends on the seizure condition), they will look at frequency of seizure activity, and the whole picture. THe decision to stop, wean, or even add medicine is such a nuanced discussion specific to neuro-patient relationship. I know I cant give you definitive answers and as someone who has been in your shoes; I want to extend some love telling you I understand.
@christiek470
Жыл бұрын
@@pedsdoctalktv9960 Thank you so much for your reply and love! I always send DMs to you on IG but totally understand when I don't get a reply as you would get hundreds like mine. Super thrilled to have received a reply here on YT. Your YT videos, podcasts and the info you share on IG are all amazing & help parents like us very much. We have a six month follow-up coming up with the neuro. Hoping and praying for good news! Please continue to enlighten us with your knowledge and experience. Grateful! 🤗
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
@@christiek470 I learned something from a major influencer account I followed, that the best way to get your comment seen is to go to the platform that is least popular of that brand (aka here! Ha!) we see way more comments here than instagram!
@christiek470
Жыл бұрын
@@pedsdoctalktv9960 Totally makes sense.
@maricarbongais785
5 ай бұрын
Wonderful video thank you for sharing! My daughter had her first seizure when she is 8 months old her ct scan and eeg is normal but she is taking maintenance until now (kepra), she is 3 years old and 6months, her last seizure is last week...doc please enlightene me if the maintenance is no side effect to her in the long period of time...
@cir4-mtbr
4 ай бұрын
I just out of the E.R. my 20 month son had a siezure that lasted about 30 or 40 seconds that gelt like an eternity. 10 minutes or so later we were at the E.R. amazing support,a close friend is a nurse there and that gave us piece. Almsot by the time my son was at the hospital, he started crying and rhat was a goood sign. Begore he was super exhausted and wasnt moving. I can say that was the scariest thing in my life. Was se very desperate and mom in the car seat going over 40 mph to ambulance and 911 had the ambulance ready in less than ,1 minute while i got there. They did a really good job and made 5 or so minutes to E.R. what a moment. However,i find comfort lnowing it is very common, an also that is leaves no permanent damage. What a knight. He had around 103 F at the hospital
@pedsdoctalktv9960
4 ай бұрын
Ah sounds so scary! But so glad you had good support and he's doing better now ♥
@fehaymfekayi5893
6 ай бұрын
I dnt know whether i am overreacting. Ths has happnd 3 times. I woke up my bby was breathing difficult he was sweating and hot then he started crying. His legs and arms went straight and stiff then when i picked him up he went floppy, the the stiffness and twitching carried on. He was crying but wasnt opening his eyes even when i tried to wake him up or open his eyes. I was so scared i put him in water to cool him down.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
6 ай бұрын
It is scary to witness for sure. The biggest priority during a seizure is to ensure the child's safety (discussed in the video). Cooling them down isn't as big a of priority as the seizure will stop on it's own (and putting them in a tub during a seizure is dangerous). Once the seizure stops and they're back to baseline you can give a warm bath (avoid cold water) or fever-reducing medication, but always seek medical care if prolonged seizure or they're not back to their baseline. Hope that helps! And hopefully no more seizures for your little one 🙏
@jackthepro5262
4 ай бұрын
I staring into space sometimes
@brooklynnmitchell4489
8 ай бұрын
My 10 month old had her first seizure on 11/16/23. They said it was a complex febrile seizure. She was in the seizure in her sleep plus a good 6-10 minutes after we found her like that. She took about 10 hours to come out of that after confused/tired phase. She did have 102 fever then. She had another on 12/20/23 but no fever. We found her again in her sleep already in the seizure & it lasted about 12 minutes after finding her. Same after phase with the confusion/tiredness. So now we’ve had 1 provoked & 1 unprovoked seizure. The seizures themselves and the aftermath were identical but different situations. The scariest part is she goes completely limp and doesn’t move (besides her right foot twitches so slightly). Why does it take her so lo come out of the confusion???
@pedsdoctalktv9960
8 ай бұрын
Aw I’m so sorry that does sound scary to witness. Some kids take longer to come back to their baseline than others so I can’t speak to your daughter specifically but if you have specific questions about her episodes I’d ask her pediatrician or neurologist ❤️
@katpakiela3789
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your video. I was looking for a video of a toddler having a febrile seizure to show my son and his wife. They have a 2 yr old girl and a boy on the way in April. My son who is now 35 had quite a few febrile seizures from 2 1/2 to 5 yrs old. The first was the scariest because I had no idea what was happening and I thought he died. After such sever convulsions he went completely limp and was non responsive. I called 911 who got there very quickly by which time i saw he was breathing. I will show ur video to my son ^n wife since I know now that it can be hereditary. I was going to suggest they keep Tylenol suppository’s in the house incase the baby spikes a high fever, as my son used to do. Txs again.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
9 ай бұрын
So glad you found it helpful and hopefully it'll be helpful to your son and daughter in law!
@naxshawaryx4000
7 ай бұрын
I recently saw a video that suggest these seizures may be linked to sids. How can I protect my child from these potential seizures if she's sick and sleeping?
@pedsdoctalktv9960
7 ай бұрын
Yes the research is ongoing but some research has shown that those who have a history of febrile seizures are at increased risk for SIDS, but it's important to note that overall risk is still very low. At this time there is no intervention shown to reduce the risk of developing febrile seizures. Sleep is so important to help kids recover from illness so I recommend letting children sleep and giving medications as needed for discomfort but not solely due to fear of febrile seizures, unless directed by your clinician to do otherwise. I hope that helps! This site has some more info on current research if you're interested: nyulangone.org/news/seizures-identified-potential-cause-sudden-unexplained-deaths-children
@eileenfitzharris3323
6 ай бұрын
My son had one in November 2022 it was so scary to witness. Then he had another one last Thursday he is 7 years old and has autism. I thought they usually fade away by the time there 5 years old. Love you video so helpful they you explained it.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
6 ай бұрын
So sorry you experienced that! They are so scary to witness. Glad you found the video helpful though ❤
@hannahfraser1993
Жыл бұрын
My son started complex febrile seizures at 3 months of age and they are reoccurring with any temperature over 38° generally. We have been put on low dose anti seizure medication twice daily now (Levetiracetam), Clobazam at the start of febrile illness and Midazolam for seizures over 5 mins. My son is now 1 years old and tolerating meds well - were are in a period of monitoring to see if this med combination will be successful to reduce the frequency. I found this video really helpful, this is a really scary thing to experience and I’ve put off reading/researching anything about this as I’m scared what I’ll read!
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
It can be so scary to witness your child having a seizure! I hope the new med regimen works 🙏🏼❤️
@TheOtherMia
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know what it is about you or this video, maybe because you expressed your own experience as a mom (not just doctor), that AT THIS MOMENT, I feel less on the ledge. And all things considered that is a big feat. I have twins, and had no idea this was a thing until twin A had one at almost three years old. The twin B had one two months later. Twin A has gone on to have three more episodes, two of which were complex and one landed him admitted to the children's hospital for monitoring and an eeg. His latest was actually a month ago, and of course school/sick season has started and they have an older school aged sibling and here they are currently sick. I stay stressed and again, even though you said all the things I’ve heard and read before you just made me feel less something. This way too long, but thank you!
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
Aww that means so much to me thank you!! Febrile seizures can be so stressful but my hope is helping parents be more informed can reduce that stress. Wishing you the best for your twins ❤️
@etruong123
9 ай бұрын
Can we take our toddler to the ER while he is having the seizure or wait till it’s over?
@pedsdoctalktv9960
9 ай бұрын
I'd wait until it's over to make sure you can protect his airway. You want them laying on the floor or bed with the head turned to the side so you can clear any drool or vomit if needed. If lasting >5 min call 911 or if it's < 5 min but they're not back to their baseline shortly after the seizure. If they're back to their baseline, be sure to call your child's clinician or go to ER for eval especially if it's their first seizure to determine next steps. hope that helps!
@Mickey-gy8pl
Жыл бұрын
My son is about to turn 3 and has had 10 febrile seizures now. He has been in daycare since about 1 1/2 which is when he started to get fevers because he was being exposed to many things. So far we have seen 3 neurologist, one specializing in seizures and I am continuously told they are still not worried because he is having simple febrile seizures and his brain is just sensitive to fevers. He just recently got hand/foot/mouth from daycare and he did have 3 simple febrile seizures but that is because I noticed with that specific virus his temperature was higher and wouldnt budge. I really wanted to note that my son is vaccinated and never had a febrile seizure with any vaccination. It seems he gets them with COVID, Influenza A/B, hand/foot/mouth and other viruses that are high temperatures. I really do hope he outgrows this and one day I wont have to worry about fevers. I struggle a lot because he has one kidney so I cant give him motrin. I know he can still have a seizure on a fever reducing medicine but I think he would have less is he could. In the hospital on his 3rd simple they made the decision to give him motrin and the fever went away and never came back.
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing you and your son's experience! Hopefully he outgrows the febrile seizures soon, even though they typically are harmless it is still often so stressful to witness as a parent. Sending you love ❤
@bluberrimuffins
8 ай бұрын
My son just turned 4 and he has had 9 so far 😢 I cry every time they happen. They usually last for 2 min. How long do they last with your son and does he wake up afterwards or does he sleep a lot afterwards?
@marandawatanabe6250
8 ай бұрын
Hello, thank you so much for this video!! I have a question: my son has had two seizures this most recent one was due to Roseola. My question is during the seizure he was jolting really hard, eyes open and sounds as if he was struggling to breathe his head tilted to the ceiling. He then began turning blue, then nearly purple due to lack of oxygen. What can I do for him? I’m fine with the seizure, but the oxygen is super concerning and I want to be prepared if it were to ever happen again. The doctors keep saying let the seizure pass, but not if he isn’t breathing. But Don’t stick anything in his mouth like a spoon. Not sure why he stopped breathing but the doctors are ignoring me and his pediatrician asked if I was sure since I could have just been panicking… seizures don’t make me panic! I’m positive he was BLUE! Can you provide any incite?
@pedsdoctalktv9960
7 ай бұрын
Oxygen levels can drop during seizures and if prolonged blueness is noted that is concerning for sure! I think it's important to advocate and let your pediatrician know what you saw. If another seizure occurs, try to record it if possible to show them what you're seeing. Definitely don't put anything in his mouth and lay him flat as advised in the video. Call 911 if prolonged blueness noted or there are breathing concerns, if the seizure is lasting > 5 minutes or if you'd like more support. I know seizures are so scary to witness, I wish you the best and hope that helps!
@marandawatanabe6250
7 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your reply! I will definitely try to record. These things are the worst!
@jessicar-jb7ry
Жыл бұрын
This is great information. Can febrile seizures occur AFTER having high fevers (104/105). Meaning the child did not have a fever at the time nor for one after but was fighting the flu and strep?
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
If they don't have an active fever (Temp >100.4F) while the febrile seizure occurs it's typically not considered a febrile seizure and further workup may be recommended. Nonfebrile seizures are often more likely to occur during illnesses but if no fever is present there is often another cause of the seizure which is why further testing is often recommended. I hope that helps!
@jessicar-jb7ry
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much.
@torresdiana51
Жыл бұрын
Very helpful video! Thank you for posting ❤
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful! So glad you found it helpful!
@Shelby-j5z
5 ай бұрын
Thereeesss. Saff
@latham40
Жыл бұрын
MMR vaccines. Simple
@pedsdoctalktv9960
Жыл бұрын
I discuss this in the video, any vaccine can cause a fever after administration due to the body building up the intended immune response but MMR and DTaP are more likely to cause fever and therefore have a slightly increased risk of febrile seizure in the post-immunization period. That being said, the overall absolute risk of a febrile seizure after vaccines is still very small and is not a reason to skip immunizations
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