Pooja Shankar Pooja Shankar Asked 7 months ago

Can you get brain damage from a fever?

My little one had a very high fever last night, around 104 degrees F, and I was so worried. I heard stories about fevers causing serious damage. Can you get brain damage from a fever, especially in children?

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5 answers

Siddharth Das Siddharth Das Joined May 2026 5 months ago
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I was actually researching this because my cousin had a really high fever. It turns out a normal fever from a cold won't cause damage, only extreme temperatures above 107°F can do that.

Meera Sen Meera Sen Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Standard fevers are just the body's defense mechanism and are harmless to the brain. However, if the fever goes very high or is due to meningitis, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

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Consult a neurologist

Sunita Patwardhan Sunita Patwardhan Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Usually, standard fevers do not harm the brain at all. Keeping the mind calm, putting a cool wet cloth on the forehead, and resting deeply helps the body fight the infection naturally.

Anand Kulkarni Anand Kulkarni Joined May 2026 5 months ago

If a fever is exceptionally high or accompanied by confusion, stiff neck, or seizures, it can indicate a serious brain infection. Please seek emergency medical care immediately for safety.

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Gopal Krishnan Gopal Krishnan Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

No need to worry, normal fevers won't harm the brain. Just keep sponging the forehead with room temperature water to keep the head cool, and give them light khichdi.

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