Does your child have abnormal jerking movements?

What are febrile seizures?

Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make you pass out, or move or behave strangely. “Febrile” means that the seizure is caused by a fever. Febrile seizures occur in children ages 6 months to 5 years old. They often run in families.

How do I know if my child has a fever?

To find out if your child has a fever, take their temperature. The most accurate way is to take a rectal temperature (figure 1). A temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) is a fever.

What are the symptoms of a febrile seizure?

During a febrile seizure, the child usually passes out and has jerking movements of the arms, legs, or face. Most febrile seizures last less than 5 minutes. After a seizure, the child might be confused or sleepy for a short time.

Although not as common, some febrile seizures last more than 15 minutes. After a longer seizure, a child can have short-term weakness in their arm or leg.

How can I help my child during a seizure?

During a seizure, you should:

● Put your child on their side

● Not put anything in your child’s mouth or try to stop the jerking movements

● Keep track of how long the seizure lasts – If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call for an ambulance

Does my child need to see a doctor?

Yes. Take your child to the doctor as soon as possible. They will want to make sure that your child’s fever isn’t caused by a serious infection. To do this, your doctor might need to do tests.

How are febrile seizures treated?

If a febrile seizure stops on its own, it does not need to be treated. If a febrile seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, a doctor might need to use anti-seizure medicines to stop it.

Your child might also get other treatments, such as:

● Medicines to bring down the fever

● Medicines to treat the infection that is causing the fever (if the fever is caused by an infection)

● Fluids to treat dehydration (if the infection is causing vomiting or diarrhea)

Will my child have more febrile seizures?

It’s possible. Children who have 1 febrile seizure have a higher chance of having another. Talk with your doctor or nurse about how to treat any fevers that your child gets in the future.

If your child keeps having febrile seizures, your doctor might prescribe medicine so that you can treat your child’s seizures at home.

Does a febrile seizure cause brain damage?

No. A febrile seizure does not cause brain damage. It also does not mean that your child will have a life-long seizure condition.

To know more about seizures or epilepsy, consult Dr. Amita Phadnis, one of the best pediatricians in Pimpri Chinchwad, with over 35 years of experience in Pediatrics and Neonatology. She is the CMD and Head of the Pediatrics & Neonatology Department at ONP Hospitals, Pune. Dr. Phadnis has more than 36 years of experience in pediatric and neonatal care.

FAQ’s

1. What are abnormal jerking movements in children?

Abnormal jerking movements are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that may affect one part of the body or the entire body. They can occur due to seizures, fever, neurological conditions, or other medical issues.

2. Does your child have abnormal jerking movements during sleep?

Some children may experience brief muscle twitches during sleep, which are usually harmless. However, repeated or severe jerking movements, especially with loss of awareness, should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

3. Are abnormal jerking movements a sign of epilepsy?

Abnormal jerking movements can be a symptom of epilepsy, but not all jerking movements indicate epilepsy. A proper medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.

4. What causes abnormal jerking movements in children?

Common causes include epilepsy, febrile seizures, neurological disorders, infections, metabolic imbalances, head injuries, and certain medications.

5. When should I worry about abnormal jerking movements in my child?

Seek immediate medical attention if the jerking movements last longer than five minutes, occur repeatedly, are associated with loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, or happen without a fever.

6. How are abnormal jerking movements diagnosed?

Doctors may recommend a physical examination, neurological assessment, EEG (electroencephalogram), blood tests, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to identify the cause.

7. Can fever cause abnormal jerking movements in children?

Yes, high fever can trigger febrile seizures in young children, leading to sudden jerking movements. Most febrile seizures are short-lived, but medical evaluation is recommended.

8. What should I do if my child has abnormal jerking movements?

Stay calm, place your child on their side in a safe area, avoid putting anything in their mouth, and seek medical attention if the episode is prolonged or recurrent.

9. Can abnormal jerking movements be treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, management of fever, treatment of infections, or specialized neurological care.

10. Where can I get expert treatment for abnormal jerking movements in children?

If your child has abnormal jerking movements, consult the pediatric neurology experts at ONP Hospitals, Pune, for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment, and comprehensive child healthcare.