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A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy
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Febrile seizures. Update and controversies

Mohammed M Jan1, John P Girvin

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, MBC J-76, PO Box 40047, Jeddah 21499, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (2) 6677777 Ext. 5819. Fax. +966 (2) 6677777 Ext. 5813.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|February 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Febrile seizures are common in young children and usually benign. Recent evidence suggests pediatricians are becoming more selective in investigations, as extensive workups for febrile seizures often yield low results.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in children under 5.
  • Most cases are brief, have benign prognoses, and do not require specific treatment.
  • Physicians often manage parental anxiety and make decisions about investigations and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of febrile seizures.
  • To review current diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations.
  • To address variations in physician evaluation and management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent evidence and diagnostic/therapeutic recommendations for febrile seizures.
  • Analysis of physician practices regarding investigation and management.
  • Evaluation of the yield of investigations in altering management.

Main Results:

  • Despite understanding, physician management of febrile seizures varies.
  • Pediatricians are increasingly selective in admitting and investigating children with febrile seizures.
  • Children admitted often present with complex seizures, status epilepticus, or appear ill.

Conclusions:

  • The yield of investigations for febrile seizures remains low.
  • Extensive work-ups and prolonged hospitalizations are often not justified.
  • Selective evaluation and management are becoming more prevalent.

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