Febrile seizures: perceptions and knowledge of parents of affected and unaffected children

Abstract

Febrile seizures (FS) in children are common, but little is known about parents' perceptions and knowledge of FS. We interviewed parents of children aged 6 months to 6 years affected by FS (FS group, 65 parents) or unaffected (control group, 54 parents). In the FS group, 32% said they knew their child had an FS when the first event occurred, and 89% described fear when the child had a seizure, with a median intensity of 10/10 (Q25/Q75: 9/10). Related to follow-up, 77% in the FS group (will) observe their child more carefully after the first seizure happened, and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F). In the FS group, 62% were unaware of FS before the first event (54% of control group did not know about FS thus far, n.s.). In the FS group, 20% would put a solid object in the mouth of a child having a seizure (control group, 39%, p = 0.030), and 92% would administer an available anti-seizure rescue medication (control group, 78%, p = 0.019). In the FS group, 71% feared that children with FS might suffocate (control group, 70%, n.s.).

Conclusion: Information about FS and their management should be more available to improve parents' coping and patient safety.

What is known: • Febrile seizures in children are common. • The prognosis of children suffering from febrile seizures is usually rather good.

What is new: • Over half of parents had not informed themselves about febrile seizures so far; and only 32% of parents realized their child had a febrile seizure when it occurred. • Most parents described own fear with a median intensity of 10/10; and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F).

Keywords: Anti-seizure rescue medication; Antipyretics; Children; Fear; Febrile seizures; Perception.

Fig. 1

Flow chart showing patient enrollment