About
Fever is one of the most common symptoms that can occur as a result of any type of infection. In children, fever can occur quite abruptly and the temperature can be very high. The thermostatic mechanism in babies and young children is underdeveloped and that is why febrile episodes in children can be dangerous. Febrile fits otherwise called febrile seizures or febrile convulsions can cause a lot of concern among parents because of its sudden onset and frightening nature.
What are febrile fits?
Febrile fits denote the convulsions that occur in children in the age group of 6 months to 5 years. By definition febrile fits should not include the convulsions precipitated by infection of the brain tissue or its coverings.
Febrile fits can occur as a one-time episode but sometimes recurrences occur in the specified age group. A febrile fit occurs in relation to the rapid rise in body temperature and is not related to the duration of the fever or the degree of temperature. If the parent has had febrile convulsions the chances of the child having febrile convulsions is around 10% and this is increased if both the parents have had a history of febrile fits.
