Many children will experience a rapid spike in their temperature resulting in seizure-like activity.  Most children can actually tolerate very high fevers that are more dangerous to adults, but it is how quickly the fever itself actually occurs that causes the seizure.  A fever is a sign of infection, usually.  However many children develop fevers during teething. 

If your child feels warm to you, take their temperature.  The most accurate way to obtain a temperature reading on a child is rectally (remember to sterilize your thermometer or use a probe cover).  Keep your child uncovered as much as possible.  If shivering starts place a light blanket or sheet over the child, DO NOT bundle them because they are shivering, this will make their fever worse.  DO NOT cover your child in rubbing alcohol, this does not bring down the fever, the fumes will make it hard to breathe and possible create more agitation for your child.  Call your pediatrician, usually they will recommend alternating Tylenol and Motrin as directed on the bottle.  Every child is different as is every situation causing the fever.  Please seek medical attention to find out the right treatment for your child.

If you child does begin to have a seizure protect their head from repeatedly hitting anything hard (place them on the bed or couch).  Call 911 immediately.  Try not to panic (it will be hard), remember seizures are very common with fever in children under 3 and usually are not harmful, just scary to watch.  It is possible that your child’s seizure is not related to a fever, so please call 911 so medical professionals can determine the cause.