Symptoms & Signs of Febrile Fits

Febrile fits occurs with the child initially running a temperature followed by the him staring ahead and then going stiff for a few minutes before losing consciousness. The child then develops seizures as convulsions occur. After a couple of minutes he regains consciousness. Initially disoriented and confused, the child subsequently becomes normal. Usually the entire episode last for 5 to 15 minutes.

Based on the symptoms, the two types of febrile convulsions can be differentiated.

In simple, benign febrile fits.

The episode of convulsions last for less than 10 minutes.
Nature of convulsions is generalized in that the entire body goes into spasm or becomes stiff.
The episode occurs within 24 hours of onset of fever.
After the episode of fits subside, the child is normal and suffers no after effects.

In atypical febrile fits.

The episode of convulsions lasts for more than 15 minutes.
Nature of convulsions is focal i.e., involves one portion of the body.
The episode occurs 24 hours after the onset of fever and the child may show signs of organic damage of the brain.