Management protocols for Febrile Convulsions in Uganda
Uganda Clinical Guidelines 2023 · all from source →
General Pediatric
Diagnosis
Clinical Features
Convulsions occurring with fever (usually in children 6 months–6 years). Exclude intracranial pathology especially in children <2 years.
Investigations
Blood: Slide/RDT for malaria parasites. Random blood glucose. Full blood count. Lumbar puncture and CSF examination (if intracranial pathology cannot be excluded). Urinalysis, culture and sensitivity. Chest X-ray.
Treatment
Fever Management
Use tepid sponging to help lower temperature. Give paracetamol 15 mg/kg every 6 hours until fever subsides.
If Currently Convulsing
Give diazepam 500 micrograms/kg rectally (using suppositories, rectal tube, or diluted parenteral solution). Maximum dose: 10 mg. Repeat after 10 minutes if needed.
If Unconscious
Position patient on side (recovery position). Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC).
If Persistent Convulsions
Refer to epilepsy/status epilepticus management protocol (section 9.1.1).
Caution
If intracranial pathology cannot be clinically excluded (especially in children <2 years), consider lumbar puncture or treat empirically for meningitis.
Caregiver Education (Prevention)
Educate caregivers on how to control fever using tepid sponging and paracetamol.
Clinical Tools