Q: My son is 2 years and 8 months old. He has a history of febrile convulsions. He has suffered from three convulsions in the past one year. They lasted for a fraction of a minute and cleared. He has been given medication for the same. I have noticed that his palms, feet and head remain very warm most of the time. Is it normal or he has to be diagnosed for some ailment? I keep a vigil through the night, especially in the summers so that he doesn't get fever. But it crosses 99 degree C while he is asleep. How many doses of crocin can be given to him in emergency? Can valparin be given along with paracetamol when his fever touches 99?

A:Febrile seizures occur when fever rises suddenly. The age group most affected is 1-5 years. In children who have febrile seizures it is important to control fever as soon as it is noticed. Paracetamol (Crocin) can be used every four hours as required in adequate doses. Palms, feet and head remaining warm is not unusual in summer time. Valparin given only at the time of fever is of no use. For valparin to have an effect, it needs to be given regularly and regular use of valparin is justified only if febrile seizures are very frequent or prolonged (more than 15 minutes).