What causes seizures in children with low-grade fever?

Febrile seizures in children with low-grade fever may result from epilepsy, intracranial infection, immature brain development, or toxic encephalopathy.

1. Epilepsy

If a child’s brain sustains injury—such as from external physical trauma or perinatal hypoxia—it may develop low-grade fever. Prolonged low-grade fever, in turn, may trigger abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to seizures.

2. Intracranial Infection

Intracranial infections in children can also cause seizures. These are often accompanied by fever, as well as adverse effects such as vomiting and headache.

3. Immature Brain Development

In younger children whose brains have not yet fully matured, prolonged low-grade fever may provoke abnormal neuronal discharges, resulting in seizures.

4. Toxic Encephalopathy

Children with toxic encephalopathy—such as that associated with toxic bacillary dysentery or sepsis—may experience metabolic disturbances due to bacterial infection, leading to low-grade fever and seizures. Such cases commonly present with additional symptoms including vomiting and headache.