Watching your child have a seizure (kejang) is one of the most terrifying experiences a parent can face. But febrile seizures are almost always harmless — and knowing exactly what to do in the first 60 seconds makes all the difference.
STAY CALM
Your child is not dying. Febrile seizures are almost always harmless. Your calm response is the most important thing right now.
Look at the clock
Note the exact time the seizure started. This is critical information for the doctor. A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes requires emergency intervention.
Place child on their side
Gently turn your child onto their side (recovery position) on a flat, safe surface. This prevents choking if they vomit.
Clear the area
Remove any hard or sharp objects nearby. Do not restrain the child's movements — you cannot stop a seizure by holding them.
Do NOT put anything in the mouth
Never put your fingers, a spoon, or any object in the child's mouth. Children cannot swallow their tongue — this is a myth. You will only injure yourself or the child.
Watch and time
Observe the seizure carefully. Note which body parts are moving, whether the child is conscious, and how long it lasts. This information helps the doctor.
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. A prolonged seizure (status epilepticus) requires emergency medication to stop it. Do not wait for it to stop on its own.
Under 5 min
Monitor at home, call doctor same day
5–10 min
Go to ER now — may need medication
Over 10 min
Emergency — call 911 immediately
The child will be confused, sleepy, or irritable for 15–30 minutes after the seizure — this is normal
Check their temperature and give paracetamol if fever is present
Offer fluids when the child is fully awake and alert
Call your pediatrician to report the seizure, even if the child seems fine
Go to the ER if: seizure lasted more than 5 minutes, child is not recovering normally, child has difficulty breathing, or this is the first seizure ever
MYTH: Febrile seizures cause brain damage
FACT: False. Febrile seizures do not cause brain damage. Studies consistently show no difference in intelligence or development between children who have had febrile seizures and those who have not.
MYTH: You must put something in the child's mouth to prevent swallowing the tongue
FACT: False. It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. Putting objects in the mouth during a seizure causes injury and is dangerous.
MYTH: Febrile seizures always lead to epilepsy
FACT: False. Only 2–5% of children who have febrile seizures develop epilepsy — the same rate as the general population. Most children outgrow febrile seizures by age 5–6.
MYTH: You must rush to the ER for every febrile seizure
FACT: Not always. A simple febrile seizure (less than 5 minutes, child recovers normally) can be evaluated at a clinic the same day. Go to the ER if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or the child does not recover normally.
MYTH: Preventing fever prevents febrile seizures
FACT: Partially false. While fever triggers febrile seizures, giving paracetamol does not reliably prevent them. The seizure often occurs as the fever is rising rapidly — before parents even know the child has a fever.
Q: What is a febrile seizure (kejang)?
A: A febrile seizure (kejang sa lagnat) is a convulsion triggered by fever in children between 6 months and 5 years of age. The child's body shakes, stiffens, or jerks uncontrollably. It is caused by the rapid rise in body temperature, not the height of the fever.
Q: How common are febrile seizures in Filipino children?
A: Febrile seizures affect 2–5% of children between 6 months and 5 years. They are the most common type of seizure in childhood. Filipino children are not at higher risk than other populations.
Q: Will my child have another febrile seizure?
A: About 30–40% of children who have one febrile seizure will have another. Risk factors for recurrence include: first seizure before age 18 months, family history of febrile seizures, and low fever at the time of the first seizure.
Q: Should my child take anti-seizure medicine after a febrile seizure?
A: For simple febrile seizures, the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) does not recommend long-term anti-seizure medication. The risks of daily medication outweigh the benefits for most children. Your pediatrician will advise based on your child's specific situation.
Q: When should I call 911 or go to the ER?
A: Go to the ER if: the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, the child has multiple seizures in 24 hours, the child does not recover to normal within 30 minutes, the child has difficulty breathing after the seizure, or this is the first seizure ever.
Q: Can I give diazepam (Valium) rectally at home?
A: Some pediatricians prescribe rectal diazepam for children with a history of prolonged febrile seizures. Only use this if specifically prescribed by your child's doctor. Do not use it for a first seizure or without medical guidance.
Q: My child had a febrile seizure at school. What should the teacher do?
A: Teachers should: stay calm, clear the area, place the child on their side, time the seizure, call parents and 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, and never put anything in the child's mouth. Inform the school nurse and principal immediately.
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