The short answer
During the fit, lay your child on their side on a safe surface, do not put anything in the mouth, do not restrain them, and time it. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if it lasts more than five minutes, if breathing is difficult, or if your child does not wake properly afterwards. Even after a short fit, a doctor should see your child the same day to find the cause of the fever, because malaria and meningitis must be ruled out. Most children who have febrile seizures do not develop epilepsy.
See a paediatrician, from ₦50,000Medically 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.
During the seizure
- Stay calm and note the time it started
- Lay your child on their side, away from hard or sharp objects
- Do not put a spoon, finger or anything else in the mouth
- Do not pour water on them or try to make them drink
- If it is safe, record a short video for the doctor
Call 112 or go to an emergency department if
- The fit lasts more than five minutes
- Your child has difficulty breathing or turns blue
- They do not wake up properly within an hour
- There is another fit, or a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade, or they seem very unwell
Afterwards
A doctor examines your child and tests for the cause of the fever, including malaria. Fever medicine makes a child more comfortable, but it has not been shown to prevent another febrile seizure. A paediatric neurologist is involved when a seizure was long, affected one side of the body, happened more than once in the same illness, or happened without a fever.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Will my child have brain damage?
A short febrile seizure is not known to cause brain damage. Long seizures need emergency treatment, which is why you time it.
Will it happen again?
Some children have another during a later illness. Your doctor will give you a plan, and sometimes a rescue medicine for long seizures.
How much is a paediatric neurologist in Lagos?
A first consultation at Haven Paediatrics, Ikeja is from ₦130,000, confirmed when you book.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Febrile seizures. NHS. Patient information.
- Epilepsy. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.