FEBRILE SEIZURES

Question 1

Criteria: Simple Febrile Seizure

Answer 1

Generalized Tonic / Clonic

Lasting < 15 min

Age 6 mo - 5 y

One seizure in a 24 hr period

Fever >/ 38 C

Question 2

Criteria: Complex Seizure Presentation

Answer 2

Prolonged > 15 min
Focal Presentation
> 1 seizure in 24 hours
Slow return to baseline from post-ictal state

Question 3

History & Physical

Answer 3

Questions to ask:

Generalized Seizure
< 15 min
One episode in 24 hrs
No residual effects
Most post ictal or at baseline by arrival to ED

Developmentally normal child

Look for:
CORE TEMPERATURE

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

Depedent on source of fever

Consider septic workup including LP if:
< 18 mo
Unwell appearing, irritable, lethargic, poor oral intake, abnormal mental status
Bulging Fontanelle
Complex presentaton

Question 5

Management

Answer 5

Look for source of fever and treat

Question 6

Complications

Answer 6

No complications and no long term effect can occur