One Minute It’s Just a Fever. Then Comes a Febrile Seizure.
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
When a Fever Leads to a Seizure and Fear Takes Over
Your child had a fever. Then suddenly, their body stiffened, they twitched or shook, and their eyes rolled back. It may have lasted only a few moments, but the fear can linger long after the seizure ends. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we know how distressing febrile seizures can be for parents. You may feel helpless, confused or deeply shaken. We are here to walk with you gently through what happened, why it occurred and how we can support your child moving forward.
Febrile seizures are common in young children and, while frightening, are usually not harmful or a sign of epilepsy. Understanding what they are and what to expect can bring much-needed peace and confidence after such a frightening event.
What Are Febrile Seizures
A febrile seizure is a type of convulsion triggered by a sudden rise in body temperature. It typically occurs in children between the ages of six months and six years, most commonly around eighteen months to three years.
There are two main types of febrile seizures:
Simple febrile seizures, which last less than fifteen minutes and do not recur within the same fever episode
Complex febrile seizures, which last longer, happen more than once in a day or affect only one side of the body
Most febrile seizures are simple and resolve on their own without causing long-term problems. However, the first episode can be overwhelming, and we are here to offer gentle, thorough support.
What You Might Notice
Febrile seizures often appear suddenly and can feel frightening in the moment. Here are the key signs to look out for:
Body Movements
Your child may show sudden stiffening of the arms or legs, followed by rhythmic jerking or twitching. Their eyes might roll upwards or appear fixed. These movements usually last less than five minutes.
Unresponsiveness
During the seizure, your child may appear unconscious or not respond to your voice or touch. They may stop crying or moving briefly, which can be alarming but is often part of the episode.
After the Seizure
Once the seizure ends, your child may be drowsy, confused or upset. Some children want to sleep, while others may cry or cling for comfort. This phase is called the recovery period and usually lasts less than an hour.
Most febrile seizures last under five minutes and stop on their own. Afterwards, your child may be sleepy, confused or unsettled. Though the event is usually harmless, it is always important to have your child reviewed by a doctor, especially if it is the first time.
How We Support Families at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we approach every seizure concern with compassion, urgency and care. We begin by taking time to understand what happened, what you observed and how your child has recovered.
During your visit, we may:
Conduct a full review of the seizure episode and your child’s fever history
Perform a gentle physical and neurological examination
Identify the source of the fever
Recommend monitoring at home or further investigations if needed
Provide safety advice for possible future episodes
Offer guidance on what to do if a seizure happens again
Reassure and support parents who may still feel shaken or fearful
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu take the time to explain what febrile seizures are, what they are not and how to manage them with calm and clarity. They understand how important it is to feel supported, especially after an emergency.
Helping You Regain Calm and Confidence
We know that seeing your child have a seizure is something you will not forget. Even after being told it was not dangerous, you may still feel anxious every time a fever returns. At Joyful Seeds, we hold space for those feelings. We are here to support not just your child’s health, but your confidence as a parent.
We provide printed and verbal guidance on seizure first aid, fever management and clear signs to watch for. Whether this is the first seizure or a repeated episode, we work together with you to create a plan that brings clarity and calm.
Let Us Help You Navigate This with Care
If your child has had a febrile seizure or if you are worried about what to do when fevers spike, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we provide the support, knowledge and reassurance you need to feel safe and ready. With trusted care and steady guidance, we help you move forward from fear into confidence.
