When a child has a very high fever from an infection, the body temperature rises to the point where the child’s temperature regulation mechanism cannot cope. At this point, the child convulses, it only lasts a few minutes and in general it will not have a lasting effect on the child. It is common in children from six months to four years. You should look out for signs if the child has a recent history of infection. They may be unusually quiet, appear sick and have pale, flushed, hot skin. Their eyes will roll back in their head when they begin convulsing; they will also have a salivary drool and will turn blue due to absent breathing. After a couple of minutes the child will begin to breathe again, and start crying.

Action Plan

You should try to stay calm and place the child in a side position while fitting. Then remove the child’s clothing and help to cool the child by sponging them down with tepid water, without making them too cold. On recovery assess the child’s breathing and if the child is not breathing start resuscitation measures. Call for medical assistance immediately.