Febrile seizures—sudden convulsions caused by high fever—are the most common seizure disorder in young children and often happen at home, where mothers are usually the first person to respond. Researchers in Jordan wanted to understand what mothers actually do in these moments and which factors help them act correctly.
Between August and December 2021, researchers surveyed 68 mothers of children under six years old who had experienced febrile seizures at two public hospitals in northern Jordan. The mothers answered detailed questions about what they did during and after their child's seizure.
Two-thirds of mothers took the right steps, but panic got in the way
The study found that 68.4% of mothers handled the seizure appropriately overall. Most did the essential things right: placing the child safely (86.9%), watching what happened and how long it lasted (84.5%), and trying to cool their child down (85.7%). However, nearly 62% of mothers reported feeling panicked during the event, and this fear often led them astray. About one in four mothers (23.8%) performed harmful actions, most commonly attempting chest compressions—which are dangerous and unnecessary during a febrile seizure.
Knowledge and attitude explained most of the difference
When researchers looked at what separated mothers who responded well from those who didn't, they found that higher maternal knowledge about febrile seizures and more positive, confident attitudes were the main factors. Together, these two things explained 27% of why some mothers managed the seizure better than others. This suggests that simply learning what to do—and feeling reassured that you can do it—makes a real difference.
Close the gaps before a seizure happens
- Learn the correct first-aid steps before your child has a seizure: place them safely on their side, time how long it lasts, and gently cool them down.
- Avoid chest compressions or other CPR techniques during a febrile seizure, as they cause harm rather than help.
- Seek reliable education from your child's doctor or a trusted nursing resource to build confidence in managing this common childhood event.