What is a febrile convulsion? | Fever

What is a febrile convulsion?

A febrile seizure is an epileptic seizure that occurs in children who suffer from a febrile illness. The seizure is not caused by an infection of the brain, but by high fever. Why a febrile seizure occurs is not sufficiently understood.

It is suspected that the infection or fever lowers the seizure threshold of the brain. In most cases, these are uncomplicated seizures in which the children lose consciousness and twitch and convulse all over their bodies. However, a complicated febrile seizure must be distinguished from the uncomplicated febrile seizure, which does not affect the whole body but only certain parts of it (focal seizure), lasts longer than 15 minutes, occurs repeatedly within 24 hours or occurs at the age of less than 6 months or over 5 years.

If a complicated febrile seizure occurs, it should be clarified further, as it may be a seizure caused by meningitis or encephalitis. Normally febrile convulsions end spontaneously within 5 minutes. If this is not the case, drugs such as benzodiazepines should be used to break the seizure. An uncomplicated febrile spasm does not normally have a harmful effect on brain function.

What are fever blisters?

Fever blisters are also known as cold sores or herpes labialis. These blisters, which are typically located around the mouth or on the lips, are caused by the herpes virus. Almost 100% of people are infected with the herpes virus, but do not develop any symptoms.

Up to 40% of people are affected by fever blisters once in their lives. Since fever blisters are a reactivation of the herpes virus, the blisters can reappear. If there is a weakening of the immune system due to stress or infection, the reactivation of the virus can be promoted.

When a cold causes fever and the immune system is weakened, the fever blisters occur in connection with the fever and therefore have their name. The blisters are filled with a liquid that contains the virus and is therefore highly infectious. Fever blisters are also often very painful. Fever blisters are treated with creams, gels or ointments. In severe cases, acyclovir – an anti-viral agent – is applied to the area or administered in tablet form.