What causes fever and convulsions in children?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, seizures caused by fever in children may be due to factors such as an immature nervous system, a sudden rise in body temperature stimulating the nerves, febrile convulsions, acute meningitis, or viral encephalitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily care should focus on keeping the child warm to avoid catching a chill that may lead to fever.

Generally, convulsions accompanying fever in children may be caused by factors such as an immature nervous system, sudden temperature increases stimulating nerves, febrile seizures, acute meningitis, or viral encephalitis. It is advisable to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and proceed with symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immature nervous system development: A child's cerebral cortex function is not yet fully developed, and the tolerance for temperature fluctuations is poor. Fever may easily trigger abnormal nerve discharges, leading to convulsions. Daily monitoring of body temperature is necessary, and physical cooling methods, such as wiping the forehead and armpits with lukewarm water, should be promptly applied when the temperature exceeds 38°C, to prevent sudden temperature increases.

2. Sudden temperature rise stimulating nerves: When fever rapidly elevates body temperature beyond 39°C within a short time, it directly stimulates the brain nerves, inducing convulsions. If a rapid temperature increase is detected, antipyretic medications such as paracetamol suspension drops, ibuprofen suspension, or pediatric Chai Gui antipyretic granules may be administered according to medical advice.

3. Febrile seizures: Commonly occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Convulsions are triggered by abnormally excited brain neurons during fever and typically last for several minutes. During convulsions, position the child on their side, clear oral secretions to prevent suffocation, and after the episode subsides, medications such as diazepam tablets, sodium phenobarbital tablets, or sodium valproate oral solution may be used according to medical advice to prevent recurrence.

4. Acute meningitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection of the meninges stimulates brain tissue, resulting in fever-induced convulsions, often accompanied by severe headache and vomiting. For bacterial infections, anti-infective medications such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium injection, or vancomycin injection should be administered according to medical advice to control inflammation.

5. Viral encephalitis: Inflammation caused by viral invasion of brain tissue affects nerve function, causing fever-induced convulsions along with listlessness and drowsiness. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir injection, ganciclovir injection, or ribavirin injection should be used as directed by a physician. Concurrently, mannitol injection may be administered to reduce intracranial pressure and alleviate brain tissue damage.

Daily care should ensure the child is kept warm to avoid catching a chill that might lead to fever, and adequate hydration must be maintained during fever. During convulsions, never forcibly restrain the limbs to avoid fractures or dislocations. After the symptoms subside, promptly transport the child to a hospital for examination, identify the underlying cause, and undergo proper treatment.

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What methods can quickly reduce fever in children?

In general, a child's fever may be caused by factors such as excessive environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, immune response after vaccination, upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, or bacterial pneumonia. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through physical cooling methods, medication, and other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, it is important to ensure the child's daily diet is light and easily digestible, avoiding oily and spicy foods.

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At what temperature will a child experience convulsions due to fever?

In general, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during fever. Most often, seizures occur when body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children may experience seizures even if their temperature does not reach 38.5°C. This primarily relates to individual physical condition and the speed at which body temperature rises. When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor temperature changes and administer antipyretic medication promptly if the temperature exceeds 38.5°C.

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Which areas should be massaged to reduce fever in children?

Fever, also known as pyrexia, can be accompanied by massage therapy to assist in reducing body temperature in children. However, the appropriateness of massage should be considered based on individual circumstances. Commonly used acupoints for fever reduction include clearing the heavenly river water (Qing Tian He Shui), pushing the Kan Palace (Tui Kan Gong), rubbing the Taiyang point, clearing the lung meridian (Qing Fei Jing), and pressing and rubbing the Hegu point. Proper techniques may help alleviate symptoms of fever. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.

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How to handle a child's fever of 38°C

In general, a child's fever of 38°C may be caused by factors such as high environmental temperature leading to insufficient heat dissipation, increased body heat production after vigorous activity, acute upper respiratory tract infection, infantile emergency rash (roseola), acute gastroenteritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, or other approaches under the guidance of a physician.