20. Are Febrile Seizures Dangerous?

The Doc Talk Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe tackle one of the scariest moments for parents — when a child has a seizure during a fever. They break down what febrile seizures are, why they happen, what to do in the moment, and when to seek medical care.

What We Cover:

• What febrile seizures are and how they differ from epilepsy
• Why they happen — and why it’s the rapid rise in temperature, not the height of the fever, that matters
• What they look like, including how to tell a simple from a complex febrile seizure
• What to do if your child has one — key steps to keep them safe and when to call 911
• The outlook: most kids outgrow febrile seizures by age five or six, and long-term outcomes are excellent
• When to see a doctor and what red flags to watch

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Disclaimer: A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.