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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
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Febrile seizures: risks, evaluation, and prognosis

Reese C Graves1, Karen Oehler, Leslie E Tingle

  • 1Baylor Family Medicine Residency Program, Garland, TX 75042, USA. reese.graves@baylorhealth.edu

American Family Physician
|February 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Febrile seizures are common in young children. Evaluation focuses on seizure complexity and fever source, with routine tests generally not recommended for uncomplicated cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Febrile seizures are common in children under five.
  • Risk factors for febrile seizures have been identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline current recommendations for evaluating and managing febrile seizures.
  • To inform about the risk of recurrence and long-term effects.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical evaluation to identify complex seizure features and fever source.
  • Guidelines on the judicious use of diagnostic tests like blood work, neuroimaging, and EEG.
  • Management strategies for febrile status epilepticus.

Main Results:

  • Routine blood tests, neuroimaging, and EEG are not recommended for uncomplicated febrile seizures.
  • Lumbar puncture is not recommended for uncomplicated febrile seizures.
  • Recurrence risk ranges from 15-70% within two years, influenced by age and fever characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Physicians should reassure parents about the low risk of long-term adverse effects.
  • Recurrence risk is higher in infants and those with specific clinical features.
  • Preventive medication is not recommended for recurrent febrile seizures.

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