Epilepsy Action

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Febrile convulsions

Doctors use the term febrile to define a body temperature of 38 degrees C or above. Febrile convulsions are common in children between the ages of six months and three years. They are generally tonic-clonic seizures, but may, less commonly, be focal seizures. They are usually linked to a childhood illness such as tonsillitis, or teething, which cause a rise in temperature.

Febrile convulsions are not epilepsy, but a child who has had febrile convulsions has a slightly higher chance of developing epilepsy than children in general.

Because they are not epilepsy, we do not have detailed information about febrile convulsions. For more information, please visit

This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.

  • Updated September 2011
    To be reviewed September 2013

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