It is common for several members in an extended family to experience these convulsions as children. The convulsion occurs as the fever rises rapidly within a few minutes to a height usually close to 105. The child becomes stiff and may turn blue around the mouth, as arms and legs begin to jerk. The eyes are usually turned to one side of the body. The convulsion lasts about five minutes and the child will be sleepy for awhile after awakening.
Convulsions are very frightening to watch for parents or siblings.
The child, however, will have no memory of the convulsion and if there are no other complications, no long term effects or brain damage. If your child should have a convulsion, the local rescue squad should be notified after you have removed the child from any dangerous surroundings. Usually the convulsion is over by the time help arrives, but the rescue squad can be helpful by communicating with your doctor or the nearest hospital. Fevers that accompany most viral illnesses lasts 3-4 days. There are exceptions to this rule and some viruses, like influenza or mononucleosi, can cause fever for up to 10 days.