Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the chance of my child having another febrile seizure?
  • It is hard to predict if your child will have another febrile seizure. If your child does have another febrile seizure, it will likely be like the first seizure.
  • Most children outgrow having febrile seizures by the time they turn five years old. 
• Could my child die from a febrile seizure?
  • It is helpful to think of the seizure and fever separately. Death after a febrile seizure is very rare. The febrile seizure is a symptom of the underlying cause. We have discussed the underlying cause of the fever.
• Does brain damage occur?
  • Short seizures do not cause brain damage. Long ones (over 30 minutes) can hurt the brain. 
• What is the likelihood that my child will have epilepsy?
  • If your child experiences a complex febrile seizure, there is a small risk that your child will develop epilepsy.
• Does my child need anti-seizure medications?
  • Daily anti-seizure medication is generally not recommended after a febrile seizure. 
• Should I try to prevent my child from having a fever?
  • Fevers can not be prevented.
  • It is important to know that trying to keep your child from having a fever does not keep your child from experiencing a seizure. 
• What should I do if my child has a fever again?
  • It is appropriate to give your child fever-reducing medication to help your child feel better and reduce the fever. 
• Is it safe for my child to get vaccines?
  • Routine vaccines are strongly recommended.
• What precautions does my child need to follow?
  • Always watch your child around water (such as a bathtub or swimming pool). Showers are okay if an adult knows the child is in the shower and the door is not locked. 
  • Your child may play sports.
  • Your child should wear a helmet for anything with wheels (such as a bike or skates).
  • Watch your child if playing on something high (such as on monkey bars or swings) or doing an activity like horseback riding or rock climbing. 

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.