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

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

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.

Generally speaking, there is no fixed temperature threshold at which a child will experience seizures during a fever. Most seizures occur when the body temperature rapidly rises above 38.5°C. However, some children might experience seizures even if their temperature doesn't reach 38.5°C. This primarily depends on individual physical conditions and the speed at which the temperature rises. Detailed analysis is as follows:

From a clinical perspective, children's febrile seizures are often associated with high fever, especially when the temperature suddenly rises above 38.5°C. These seizures commonly occur in children aged between 6 months and 5 years. This is because the nervous system of children in this age group is not yet fully developed, and a sudden rise in body temperature can easily cause abnormal discharges in brain nerve cells, leading to seizures. However, not all high fevers result in seizures; some children may not experience seizures even when their temperature exceeds 39°C.

Some children, due to special physical conditions such as a family history of febrile seizures or a sensitive nervous system, may experience seizures even when their temperature hasn't reached 38.5°C—sometimes even when it's only around 38°C—if the temperature rises too quickly.

When a child has a fever, parents should closely monitor changes in body temperature. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications should be administered promptly, along with physical cooling methods, to prevent a sudden spike in temperature.

View All

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.

View Full Answer

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.

View Full Answer

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.

View Full Answer

What causes fever and convulsions in children?

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.