Talk

Flip

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Children's health

Febrile convulsions after MMR. Did it happen again with booster jabs or 1st time only?

7 replies

MeeWhoo · 15/04/2015 17:29

As per the title, I just would like to know if your dc had febrile convulsions after the first dose of MMR, whether it happened again with the subsequent booster.

Dd reacted to the first dose of MMR and is due the 2nd dose soon. Obviously
I am going to be extra vigilant regardless, but would like to hear from other people who have been there already. She had temperatures before MMR with no reaction, and thankfully hasn't been ill since, but there is family history with bil having a few episodes until he turned 5 when he grew out of them.

OP posts:

Report

Graceymac · 15/04/2015 20:03

From what you are saying the vaccine is not thought to have caused the seizure but more so the rapidly rising temp in response to receiving the vaccine? If that is the case it is hard to know. Your LO may not have such an extreme response to the booster. My dd developed a 'mini measles' rash to the first vaccine but not the booster. One of my dds has febrile seizures since 14 months and is now nearly 3 and still has one every few months, but not with every temperature. I guess be guided by the GP, observe for temp and keep it under control. That is all you can do really. Do you have rectal diazepam/midazolam gel just I case the seizure is prolonged? I think it's good to have just incase the seizure is prolonged.

Report

MeeWhoo · 15/04/2015 20:13

Thanks Graceymac. Yes, the seizure is not a reaction to the vaccine per se (as in allergy, etc.) but to the fast raising temp resulting from the vaccine, so really it's the measles virus causing it, which seems not too unusual as one of the symptoms of measles is apparently a high "sudden" temperature.

I have rectal paracetamol, not really heard of the diazepam/midazolam alternatives, but we are not in the UK so we were told that if it happens again just to lay her on her side and call an ambulance like last time.

I'm not going to stop her normal vaccination programme, I just wanted to see if most children react only once or whether it is the start of a pattern.

OP posts:

Report

Graceymac · 15/04/2015 20:30

The rectal diazepam/oral midazolam gel are used to stop the seizure if it is prolonged as they are benzodiazepine anti-convulsants. I was instructed to time the seizure and give if if it goes on for more than 5 minutes. I have had to give either one of these twice. I would give the rectal paracetamol or neurogenic too. My LO has had a lot of febrile seizures and tends to have 2/3 in a 24 hr period so I feel a bit more confident in dealing with them now but it is scary when it happens. Good luck with the vaccine.

Report

Graceymac · 15/04/2015 20:31

Neurofen!

Report

MeeWhoo · 16/04/2015 07:34

Thanks Graceymac, it is good to know about the gels, I will definitely ask about them at dd's next check up.

OP posts:

Report

shewolfroar · 16/04/2015 22:50

I wouldn't consider giving this to a child who has already had a reaction. you could ask for a test to see if they have antibodies then you wouldn't need to repeat.

Report

MeeWhoo · 19/04/2015 22:18

Sorry *shewolfroar", I have only just seen your reply.

Can I ask if you have any more information on this? Would you give the same advice for any kind of adverse reaction to the vaccine or for febrile convulsions specifically?

As far as I understand it is not a reaction to the vaccine itself, but to the rapidly raising temperature (which could also be caused by any other illness she may catch, whether or not it is something you can vaccinate against ), so I take it that the reaction could be much worse if she were to contract measles without having had her immunisation as a very sudden very high temperature is a common symptom of measles.