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Condition information

Febrile seizures

A seizure associated with fever in a young child, most often between 6 months and 5 years.

What families may notice

  • Stiffening or rhythmic jerking during a fever
  • Brief loss of awareness or responsiveness
  • Sleepiness or confusion after the event

How assessment may help

A first febrile seizure still needs medical assessment. The history, age, duration and recovery help determine whether further tests are needed.

The child’s own pattern matters. Similar symptoms can have different causes, and tests are selected only after considering the history and examination.

What to bring

  • A referral letter and previous medical reports
  • A current medicine and dose list
  • EEG, MRI or CT reports and the actual images where available
  • School or therapy reports relevant to the concern
  • Safe phone videos of typical episodes, without delaying care or placing the child at risk

Planning the next step

Contact the practice for a non-urgent appointment request. Sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should be assessed through an emergency service rather than an online form.

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