Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Fever in Kids Can Sometimes Result in Seizures


The recipient of an MD from the Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago, Dr. Zachary Lutsky served as an emergency physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 11 years. Dr. Zachary Lutsky is experienced in treating a variety of emergency conditions, such as accidental injuries, shootings, high-grade fevers, and other trauma.

The normal body temperature for humans is 37 C, which is equivalent to 98.6 F. Normally, body temperature can differ slightly from this value due to daily activities and some other factors. However, significant deviation (increase or decrease) from this value may be a sign of illness and can also be dangerous to health.

Fever, according to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, is relatively common in children. It occurs when the body temperature exceeds 38 C (100.4 F). In most cases, it subsides within a few days. However, if a fever lasts longer, occurs in an infant younger than three months, exceeds 40 C (104 F), happens after a child is immunized, affects urination, or does not respond to fever reducers, it may be important to call or visit a doctor.

Severe temperature changes in some fevers can have serious side effects, such as seizures. These can appear in the form of a jerking movement or the child passing out. Seizures typically last for less than five minutes, but it is still advisable for parents or guardians to call the child’s doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention. If the seizure persists for longer, 911 should be called.