Febrile seizure
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| Febrile seizure | |
|---|---|
| File:Clinical thermometer 38.7.JPG | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Seizure, fever |
| Complications | Status epilepticus, recurrence |
| Onset | Typically between 6 months and 5 years of age |
| Duration | Less than 15 minutes (simple), more than 15 minutes (complex) |
| Types | Simple, complex |
| Causes | Fever due to infection |
| Risks | Family history, developmental delay |
| Diagnosis | Based on clinical presentation |
| Differential diagnosis | Epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis |
| Prevention | Antipyretics, vaccination |
| Treatment | Benzodiazepines for prolonged seizures |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good, low risk of epilepsy |
| Frequency | 2-5% of children |
| Deaths | N/A |
Febrile seizure is a convulsion in a child triggered by a fever. These seizures occur in young children with normal health who have a fever, but no brain infection or metabolic conditions. Febrile seizures are common and, in most cases, aren't serious.
Causes[edit]
Febrile seizures are caused by fever in young children. The seizures occur when a child's body temperature rises rapidly. Most febrile seizures occur in the first 24 hours of an illness, and not necessarily when the fever is highest. The fever is often caused by an infection.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a febrile seizure can range from mild (such as the child's body becoming stiff or twitching) to severe (such as the child losing consciousness and shaking). After the seizure, the child might be sleepy or confused.
Diagnosis[edit]
Febrile seizures are diagnosed by a doctor based on the child's symptoms and medical history. The doctor may also perform tests to rule out other conditions that might be causing the seizures.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for febrile seizures focuses on lowering the child's fever and making the child comfortable. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to prevent future seizures.
Prognosis[edit]
Most children outgrow febrile seizures by the time they are 5 years old. The long-term prognosis for children with febrile seizures is excellent.
See also[edit]
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