Q: My 7-year-old child had their first febrile seizure and stomachache. Should we visit a pediatrician?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
Last night, my 7-year-old child complained of a stomachache, so they fasted and went to bed early. During the night, they had a febrile seizure that lasted for about 1 minute. Fortunately, I was sleeping next to them and woke up right as it started. After they calmed down, I took off their clothes and later woke them up to give them a fever reducer. However, they are still complaining of a stomachache this morning. What tests should we get done, and should we visit a pediatrician first?
Answer:
It must have been very frightening to witness your child's first febrile seizure. Because 7 years old is slightly older than the typical age range for a first-time febrile seizure, it is especially important to have them properly evaluated.
⚠️ Please make sure to visit a doctor today for an in-person evaluation.
Immediate Checks at Home:
• Monitor their current body temperature.
• Ensure that their consciousness has fully returned and that they can converse normally.
• Take note of the exact location of the stomachache (e.g., around the belly button or on the right side).
Visiting the Clinic:
→ You should visit your pediatrician first (an emergency room visit is not necessary unless emergency symptoms arise).
→ Potential tests the doctor may recommend include a blood test, a urine test, and potentially an abdominal ultrasound if needed.
→ For a first febrile seizure in a child over 6 years old, identifying the underlying cause is very important.
Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Emergency Care if observed):
• Repeated seizures → Call 911 immediately.
• Vomiting or severe headache → Go to the emergency room.
• Worsening stomach pain, or if the abdomen becomes stiff/hard → Go to the emergency room.
When a febrile seizure is accompanied by abdominal pain, a clinical evaluation to rule out infections or other underlying causes is necessary. Please consult your pediatrician today, and be sure to provide them with the exact duration (1 minute) and a detailed description of the seizure characteristics.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
