Most febrile seizures are generalized. In other words, the whole body may be involved. Although it may seem like an eternity if you are witnessing a seizure, most of these episodes last only 1-5 minutes. Afterward, the child is typically drowsy but usually starts to become responsive within 15-30 minutes. Following a seizure, a child may remain somewhat twitchy, with intermittent small jerks of the arms or legs.
Focal seizures are less common and, as the term implies, involve only a part of the body.
Variable degrees of alteration in consciousness are seen in focal seizures. Some seizures begin as focal ones and then become generalized. The main objective is to protect the child s airway so that breathing is maintained. Protection from other injury is important. Remove objects, such as food and pacifiers, from the mouth.