Febrile seizures: A revisit to an old problem

Febrile seizures are a common clinical problem occurring in about 3% of children. They recur in about 30% to 40% of patients, particularly in those whose initial seizure occurs before one year of age. There is very little risk of epilepsy, neurological deficit or mental retardation to justify long term phenobarbitone therapy. Intermittent prophylactic therapy with oral or rectal diazepam at time of subsequent fever, has been found to be useful. Emphasis should be placed on parental counselling and education.