Health Update: Valium prevents fits

Monday 09 August 1993 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A TRANQUILLISER normally used to treat anxiety can prevent convulsions in children with high fever, according to research from Boston, Massachusetts. Febrile convulsions in a small child with a high temperature can be worrying for parents, and repeated fits are thought to trigger epilepsy and brain damage. A study of 960 small children, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that, given orally, the tranquilliser diazepam (brand name Valium), reduces the risk of fits recurring.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Health Update: Valium prevents fits

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering