Preventive treatment for recurrent febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are the most common convulsive events in childhood occurring in 2-5 % of children. 20-30% of these children will have a recurrence during a subsequent febrile infection. Even though the outcome of febrile seizures is benign, the possibility of recurrences keeps most families in fear for years after the first seizure event. Each febrile infection the child experiences increases the risk of recurrence, and there is a positive correlation between the height of the temperature during an infectious disease and the occurrence of febrile seizures. However, prophylactic use of antipyretics does not decrease the recurrence rate. Intermittent use of diazepam during febrile episodes prevents febrile seizures only in selected child populations. The continuous use of antiepileptic drugs is no longer warranted because their side-effects outweigh their benefits. The number of febrile episodes is the only risk factor that can be influenced by preventive measures. The time being, we can reassure parents on the benign nature of febrile seizures.