Clinical update: febrile convulsion in childhood

Febrile convulsion is common in young children and occurs in 3-4% of children aged under six years of age. This is the most common seizure disorder and it is not epilepsy. It occurs generally with high temperatures and recurs in one third of children during a subsequent febrile illness. These episodes can be extremely frightening for parents and lot of reassurance needs to be provided by health professionals after an episode. Most often the episodes are short lived and self-terminating and long-term anticonvulsant medicines are not required. The prognosis is generally good and affected children do not suffer any long-term health problems. Community practitioners can provide education, support and counselling to help families return to normality after an event.