If your child is having or just had a fever-related seizure, get clear first aid steps, learn how to keep your child safe, and understand when to call 911.
Tell us what is happening right now to get next-step support for a child having a febrile seizure, what to do after it ends, and when emergency care is needed.
Most febrile seizures stop on their own within a few minutes, but the moment can feel frightening. Stay with your child, place them on their side on a safe surface, and move nearby objects away. Do not put anything in their mouth, do not hold them down, and do not give food, drink, or medicine until they are fully awake. If you can, note the start time so you know how long the seizure lasts.
Lay your child on their side or in a recovery position if possible. This helps keep the airway clear and lowers the chance of choking.
Clear hard or sharp objects away, loosen tight clothing around the neck, and place something soft under the head if available.
Observe breathing, color, and movements, and note how long the seizure lasts. This information can help a clinician decide what to do next.
After the shaking stops, your child may be sleepy or confused for a short time. Stay nearby and make sure breathing looks normal.
Once your child is awake enough, continue usual fever care based on your clinician's advice, offer fluids if appropriate, and monitor for worsening symptoms.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, your child has trouble breathing, turns blue, is hard to wake, or has another seizure soon after.
Emergency care is important for a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, breathing problems, serious injury, or if this is your child's first seizure and you are unsure what is happening.
Even when a febrile seizure ends quickly, contact your child's doctor for guidance on the fever, possible cause, and whether your child should be seen.
Answer a few questions to get guidance based on whether the seizure is happening now, just ended, or happened earlier today.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, your child has trouble breathing, turns blue, gets injured, does not wake up as expected afterward, or has repeated seizures without recovering in between.
Do not put anything in your child's mouth, do not try to stop the movements by holding them down, and do not give food, drink, or medicine until your child is fully awake and alert.
Place your child on their side, watch breathing, allow rest, and contact your child's doctor for next steps. Continue fever home care only when your child is awake enough and can safely swallow.
Move nearby objects away, place your child on a safe surface, turn them on their side if possible, and time the seizure. Staying calm and observing carefully can help you respond safely.
Answer a few questions to get clear next steps for what to do during a febrile seizure, what to do after it ends, and when emergency care may be needed.
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