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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
Published on: July 12, 2021
[Afebrile convulsions and acute gastroenteritis: a more common than expected combination]
M Plana Fernández1, A Fernàndez López, T Vallmanya Cucurull
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, España. mplana@arnau.scs.es
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|September 9, 2008
Summary
Afebrile seizures linked to acute gastroenteritis in children are benign and self-limiting. This condition, often seen during rotavirus outbreaks, does not increase epilepsy risk or affect neurodevelopment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Afebrile seizures associated with acute gastroenteritis are documented in Asiatic children.
- Few references exist from Spain regarding this condition.
- The process is generally benign and self-limiting.
Observation:
- Five children with seizures during acute gastroenteritis were admitted to Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain.
- Admissions occurred between December 2005 and March 2006 during a rotavirus outbreak.
- Exclusion criteria included febrile seizures, electrolyte disturbances, or prior seizures.
Findings:
- The association between acute gastroenteritis and afebrile benign seizures is common in the study setting.
- Seasonal rotavirus outbreaks were linked to some cases.
- All documented cases indicate a favorable prognosis.
Implications:
- Recognizing this diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary investigations.
- Avoidance of anticonvulsive therapies is recommended.
- This condition does not pose an increased risk for epilepsy or neurodevelopmental impairment.
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