[Febrile convulsions: assessment of current status]

Febrile seizures are the most frequent neurologic disorders during childhood. The pathogenesis is not clear even today. Viral infections of the upper airways, exanthema subitum, acute otitis media, infection of the urinary tract and febrile reactions after vaccination are the most frequent precipitating factors. Predictors in identifying children with very high risk of recurrence are young age at onset, family history of febrile seizures in a first-degree relative, a history of recurrent febrile seizures and a lower degree of fever at the onset of febrile seizures. A family history of epilepsy, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and a lower degree of fever at the onset of febrile convulsion are predictors of later epilepsy in children who have febrile seizures. The prognosis of febrile seizures is very good. In the acute situation, rectal diazepam should be given in the event of prolonged febrile seizures (> 3 minutes) only. Intermittent diazepam therapy and long-term antiepileptics are not recommended. The best prophylactic treatment is education and reassurance for parents and children.