Febrile seizures: emergency department diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Febrile seizures are a common problem. Simple febrile seizures usually occur in otherwise normal children and are brief, generalized, and relatively benign. First febrile seizures should be evaluated by a physician to rule out serious underlying disease. A careful history and thorough physical exam are essential. Routine laboratory evaluation of simple febrile seizures is seldom helpful. Other laboratory tests to determine the source of fever or cause of seizures should be obtained when specifically indicated. Although the threshold for performing a lumbar puncture should be low, it is not mandatory to obtain one in every case of simple febrile seizures. Treatment of most simple febrile seizures consists of fever control and parental counseling. Chronic anticonvulsant therapy should be limited to special circumstances.