Seizures, Febrile

Reviewed 06/2022

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Febrile seizures (FS) occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years with fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) in the absence of an underlying neurologic abnormality, metabolic condition, or intracrani...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Symptoms of underlying infection or neurologic deficits
Onset, duration, type, and number of seizure (4)
- A SFS is generalized and associated with tonic-clonic movements of the limb and...

TREATMENT

Most FS are self-limited; however, if health care professionals are able to witness the FS, acute abortive treatment should be no different than any other seizure treatment. FSE rarely stops...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Anticonvulsant prophylaxis during subsequent febrile episodes is not recommended (5).

PATIENT EDUCATION

Guidance forparents should focus on reassurance, emphasizin...

REFERENCES

Smith DK, Sadler KP, Benedum M. Febrile seizures: risks, evaluation, and prognosis. Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(7):445-450.

Whelan H, Harmelink M, Chou E, et al. Complex febrile seizures—a s...

CODES

ICD10

R56.00 Simple febrile convulsions
R56.01 Complex febrile convulsions
G40.901 Epilepsy, unsp, not intractable, with status epilepticus

SNOMED

432354000 Simple febrile seizure
433083002 Complex fe...

CLINICAL PEARLS

FS are generally benign and without sequelae if the underlying causes are ruled out.
Labs, LP, neuroimaging, and EEG not routinely recommended in an acute setting in the absence of susp...

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