Paediatrics in Lagos
Febrile Seizures (Fits With Fever)
The signs, what causes it, and treatment in Lagos from ₦50,000, with the full price shown before you book or pay.
Signs to look for
Febrile Seizures (Fits With Fever)
- Sudden stiffening of the body followed by jerking of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Eyes rolling back
- Drowsiness or confusion for a while afterwards
- A fever, often first noticed at the time of the fit
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
A febrile seizure is a fit caused by a fever in a child, usually between about six months and five years old. It most often happens on the first day of an illness, as the temperature rises. Most last a minute or two and stop on their own, and most children have no lasting effects. In Nigeria a fit with a fever must always raise the question of malaria and of meningitis, so a child who has had one should be examined by a doctor the same day.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Sudden stiffening of the body followed by jerking of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Eyes rolling back
- Drowsiness or confusion for a while afterwards
- A fever, often first noticed at the time of the fit
When to See a Doctor
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if the fit lasts more than five minutes, if your child has trouble breathing, does not wake up properly afterwards, has another fit, or has a stiff neck, a rash or is very unwell. Any child after a first febrile seizure should be seen by a doctor the same day to find the cause of the fever. See a paediatric neurologist if seizures are long, affect one side of the body, or happen without a fever.
Treatment options
- Lay the child on their side on a safe surface and time the fit
- Do not put anything in the mouth and do not restrain the child
- Treat the cause of the fever, after testing for malaria and other infections
- Rescue medicine for long seizures, prescribed by a doctor
- Assessment by a paediatric neurologist where seizures are unusual or repeated
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Should I put a spoon or my finger in my child's mouth?
No. This can injure your child and you. Lay them on their side, keep them safe from hard objects, and time the fit.
Will my child have epilepsy?
Most children who have febrile seizures do not develop epilepsy. A neurologist is involved when seizures are long, focal, repeated in one illness, or happen without a fever.
Can I prevent another febrile seizure?
Fever medicine makes a child more comfortable but has not been shown to prevent febrile seizures. Some children have another during a later illness. Your doctor will give you a plan.
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Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.