Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Yield of diagnostic studies in children presenting with complex febrile seizures

Madhu Dunichand Hardasmalani1, Mai Saber

  • 1Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. em_sjmc@hotmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Extensive diagnostic workups are often unnecessary for children experiencing complex febrile seizures. This study found minimal diagnostic yield from routine testing in these pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Complex febrile seizures are common in children.
  • Diagnostic workups aim to identify underlying causes and guide treatment.
  • The necessity of extensive workups for complex febrile seizures is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic yield of workups in children with complex febrile seizures.
  • To determine if routine laboratory and imaging studies are beneficial.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with complex febrile seizures.
  • Exclusion of patients with pre-existing neurological conditions.
  • Analysis of diagnostic workup results including cultures, blood counts, chemistries, and neuroimaging.

Main Results:

  • 71 eligible pediatric patient encounters were reviewed.
  • No patients had positive blood or urine cultures, abnormal blood counts, or serum chemistries.
  • Only one patient with status epilepticus showed positive cerebrospinal fluid culture and abnormal neuroimaging.

Conclusions:

  • Extensive diagnostic workups yield limited findings in most children with complex febrile seizures.
  • Routine laboratory testing and neuroimaging are often not required.
  • Clinical presentation guides the need for specific diagnostic investigations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy06:58

A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Published on: July 12, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...