What is the most common cause of seizures in young children?

High fever, particularly in younger children, is indeed the most common cause of seizures, often referred to as febrile seizures. These seizures typically occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and are usually triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, most commonly from infections such as viral illnesses. During a febrile seizure, the child may experience shaking, loss of consciousness, and sometimes muscle stiffening.

Typically, these seizures are brief and do not lead to long-term health issues. Understanding this helps caregivers and first responders differentiate between febrile seizures and potential more serious neurological issues that could arise from other causes such as head trauma, electrolytes imbalance, or genetic disorders, which are less prevalent in young children compared to the occurrence of febrile seizures.