Febrile convulsion Flashcards
What are febrile convulsions?
Seizures provoked by fever in otherwise normal children.
What is the typical age range for febrile convulsions?
They typically occur between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
What percentage of children experience febrile convulsions?
They are seen in 3% of children.
When do febrile convulsions usually occur during an illness?
They usually occur early in a viral infection as the temperature rises rapidly.
How long do febrile convulsions typically last?
Seizures are usually brief, lasting less than 5 minutes.
What is the most common type of seizure in febrile convulsions?
They are most commonly tonic-clonic.
What are the characteristics of simple febrile convulsions?
Last less than 15 minutes, are generalized seizures, and typically no recurrence within 24 hours.
What are the characteristics of complex febrile convulsions?
Last 15 - 30 minutes, may have focal seizures, and may have repeat seizures within 24 hours.
What defines febrile status epilepticus?
Seizures lasting more than 30 minutes.
What should be done following a seizure in a child?
Children who have had a first seizure or any features of a complex seizure should be admitted to paediatrics.
What should parents do if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes?
They should be advised to phone for an ambulance.
Do regular antipyretics reduce the chance of febrile seizures?
No, regular antipyretics have not been shown to reduce the chance of a febrile seizure occurring.
What may be considered for recurrent febrile convulsions?
Benzodiazepine rescue medication may be considered, but only on the advice of a specialist.
What medications may be used for rescue in febrile convulsions?
Rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam may be used.
What is the overall risk of further febrile convulsions?
The overall risk is 1 in 3.
What factors influence the risk of further febrile convulsions?
Age of onset < 18 months, fever < 39ºC, shorter duration of fever before the seizure, and family history of febrile convulsions.
What is the risk of developing epilepsy in children with no risk factors?
Children with no risk factors have a 2.5% risk of developing epilepsy.
What increases the risk of developing epilepsy?
Having complex febrile seizures, a family history of epilepsy, and a background of neurodevelopmental disorder.
What is the risk of developing epilepsy if children have all three risk factors?
The risk of developing epilepsy is much higher, e.g., 50%.
Types of febrile convulsion & duration
