Some seizures may occur at a higher or lower temperature. During a seizure, the child becomes unconscious. The eyes roll upward. The arms and legs become stiff or jerk. Each febrile seizure usually lasts 1 to 10 minutes.
Fever causes a febrile seizure.
This type of seizure is more common in children with a family history of febrile seizures. It also occurs more often in children with epilepsy , a diagnosed seizure disorder. Any fever should be treated early, but that treatment may not be enough to prevent seizures. Thirty percent of children who have had one febrile seizure will have another one. Diagnosis of febrile seizures begins with a history and physical exam.