Complications

Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years may experience fever-induced convulsions (febrile seizures), which usually involve loss of consciousness and shaking of limbs on both sides of the body. Although alarming for parents, the vast majority of febrile seizures cause no lasting effects.

If a seizure occurs:

• Lay your child on his or her side or stomach on the floor or ground
• Remove any sharp objects that are near your child
• Loosen tight clothing
• Hold your child to prevent injury
• Don't place anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the seizure

Most seizures stop on their own. Take your child to the doctor as soon as possible after the seizure to determine the cause of the fever.

Call for emergency medical assistance if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes.