Controversies in febrile seizures

Abstract

Febrile seizures are benign, self limiting, common neurological problems encountered in children between 3 months and 5 years. Controversies exist regarding its definition and it is important to distinguish between the terms febrile seizures and convulsions with fever. In the vast majority, febrile seizures occur within the first 24 hours of illness, and an encephalitic process should be considered if it occurs later, especially with exanthema. The temperature threshold varies in the same child and from one child to another. Febrile seizures are classified as simple and complex and debate continues regarding the usage of these terms and their prognostic value. Practice parameters are suggested regarding the performance of lumbar puncture in a child with first febrile seizure, but they should be used as guidelines and the decision depends on the experience and judgement of the physician. EEG is of limited value and not a guide to treatment or prognosis and neuroimaging not recommended. The predictors of recurrent febrile seizures include younger age, lower threshold of temperature, onset within one hour of fever and positive family history. Whether the syndrome of mesial temporal sclerosis beginning with prolonged febrile seizure has a causal relationship with pre existing brain disease is a matter of debate. There are effective therapies to prevent febrile seizures but the potential side effects of drugs outweigh their benefit. Intermittent prophylaxis during fever may be effective but long term prognosis is not influenced by the treatment applied in early childhood. A practical approach to a child with febrile seizure is suggested.