Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for a seizure that was caused by a fever, called a "febrile" seizure. Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Febrile seizures occur in children ages 6 months to 5 years old. They often run in families. Most last less than 5 minutes.
During the seizure, your child might have passed out and had jerking movements of their arms, legs, or face. Your child might now be confused or sleepy for a short time, but they do not have any brain damage.
The doctors think your child has recovered from their seizure, and their fever was not caused by something serious.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If your child is uncomfortable because of fever, you can give them over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Read the instructions carefully. Never give aspirin a child younger than 18 years old.
●Offer your child lots of fluids. Offer your baby regular feedings of breast milk or formula. This helps keep them well hydrated.
●If your child has another febrile seizure:
•Move away things that might hurt your child if they hit them.
•Turn them on their side, but do not try to stop their movements.
•Do not put anything in their mouth.
•Use a clock or watch to time how long the seizure lasts. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call for emergency help.
•Pay attention to what body parts were moving during the seizure.
•Check your child's temperature after the seizure stops.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child has a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes, has another seizure right after the first one, or does not wake up after a seizure.
•Your child's lips, tongue, or fingertips turn blue during a seizure.
•Your child is having trouble breathing during a seizure.
•Your child has neck stiffness, or is having trouble staying awake.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child has another febrile seizure.
•Your child's seizure is only on 1 side of the body or only affects 1 arm or leg.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●Has a fever that does not come down after taking fever-reducing medicines
●Is not acting like themselves
●Has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Febrile seizures in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Febrile seizures (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Seizures in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Treatment of seizures in children (Beyond the Basics)
