Can babies have seizures without a fever, and what might cause this?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, babies can experience seizures without a fever. Non-febrile seizures in infants may be caused by epilepsy, brain injuries, infections such as meningitis, metabolic imbalances, genetic conditions, or developmental brain abnormalities. Because the underlying cause directly impacts treatment, identifying the trigger is essential.

If your baby has had a seizure without a fever, don't wait in uncertainty. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes and get clear guidance on your next steps. It takes only a few minutes, is backed by medical experts, and can help you have a more informed conversation with your pediatrician—because when it comes to your baby's health, clarity matters.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if baby seizures need urgent care Discover causes of your baby's seizures See if it could be epilepsy Find OTC options for seizure symptoms Find a pediatric neurologist for seizures Discover safe home remedies for seizures Understand what causes baby seizure episodes

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Explanation

Seizures in babies don't always happen because of fever. Some possible causes include:

Epilepsy: A condition that causes repeated seizures without a fever. Brain injury: Problems during birth or head trauma can lead to seizures. Infections: Even without fever, infections like meningitis or encephalitis can cause seizures. Metabolic or genetic disorders: Imbalances in body chemicals or inherited conditions may trigger seizures. Developmental brain abnormalities: Issues with brain formation before birth can cause seizures. Low blood sugar or low oxygen levels: These can provoke seizures in newborns and infants.

If a baby shows signs of a seizure—such as unusual movements, staring, or changes in breathing—use our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and understand when to seek prompt medical care for diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Chen CY, Chang YJ, & Wu HP. (2010). New-onset seizures in pediatric emergency. Pediatrics and neonatology, 20417461.
Bui TT, Delgado CA, & Simon HK. (2002). first-time seizures in children under six months of age .... The American journal of emergency medicine, 12369024.
García-Howard M, Herranz-Aguirre M, Moreno-Galarraga L, Urretavizcaya-Martínez M, Alegría-Echauri J, Gorría-Redondo N, et al. (2020). Case Report: Benign Infantile Seizures Temporally .... Frontiers in pediatrics, 32850563.

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