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FIRST: a practical approach to the causes and management of febrile seizures

Mohammad Reza Mohebbi1, Kenton R Holden, Ian J Butler

  • 1Department of Neurology University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces the FIRST (Febrile, Illness, Related, Seizure(s) and Template) approach, a practical teaching tool for diagnosing and managing febrile seizures in children. It emphasizes identifying the underlying cause to guide treatment decisions effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Febrile seizures are common in children, frequently prompting clinical questions.
  • Existing approaches to diagnosis and management can be complex for trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a simplified, pragmatic clinical approach for febrile seizures.
  • To introduce the FIRST (Febrile, Illness, Related, Seizure(s) and Template) acronym as a teaching tool.

Main Methods:

  • Development of the FIRST acronym as a mnemonic device.
  • Proposal of a Table to aid in determining the etiology of febrile seizures.

Main Results:

  • The FIRST acronym provides a structured framework for evaluating febrile seizures.
  • Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The FIRST approach offers an effective teaching strategy for pediatric and neurology residents.
  • Utilizing a structured template aids in the etiological diagnosis and subsequent management of febrile seizures.

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