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Febrile seizure. Caring for patients--and their parents
R F Monsen1, W M Graham, G F Snell
1McKay-Dee Family Practice Center, Ogden, UT 84403.
Postgraduate Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Insights
Febrile seizures in children require managing the cause and recurrence risks. Physicians should discuss prognosis and appropriate treatment with parents, considering evolving management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common in childhood.
- Management involves addressing the cause and recurrence risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To guide physicians on counseling parents about febrile seizures.
- To discuss the appropriateness of prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment.
- To review the evolving management of febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current guidelines and evidence.
- Discussion of clinical approaches to febrile seizures.
- Analysis of risk factors for recurrence.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis and treatment focus on the underlying cause.
- Recurrence risk assessment is crucial for management.
- Prophylaxis with anticonvulsants is generally not recommended.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should provide clear guidance to parents on febrile seizures.
- Management strategies are shifting towards less intervention.
- Focus remains on treating the cause and managing recurrence risk.
Abstract:
Management of febrile seizure involves diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause and assessment of risk factors for recurrence. What should physicians tell anxious parents about this frightening occurrence? Is prophylaxis with anticonvulsant agents appropriate? The authors address these questions and discuss the changing approach to management of febrile seizure.