Febrile seizures

Febrile seizures (pronounced: /ˈfɛbrɪl ˈsiːʒərz/), also known as fever fits or febrile convulsions, are seizures associated with a high body temperature but without any serious underlying health issue. They most commonly occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

Etymology

The term "febrile" is derived from the Latin word "febris", meaning fever. The term "seizure" comes from the Old French "saisir", meaning to grasp or take hold of, which in medical terms refers to a sudden attack or convulsion.

Definition

Febrile seizures are a type of seizure that is triggered by fever. These seizures occur in young children with normal development and without any neurological symptoms. They are classified into two types: simple and complex. Simple febrile seizures are seizures that last less than 15 minutes and do not recur within 24 hours, while complex febrile seizures last longer, occur more than once within 24 hours, or are focused on one part of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of febrile seizures include a sudden rise in body temperature, loss of consciousness, and shaking or stiffening of the body. Some children may also experience postictal symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, or nausea after the seizure.

Causes

Febrile seizures are often caused by a sudden spike in body temperature, often from an infection. Common infections that can lead to febrile seizures include the flu, ear infections, and roseola.

Treatment

Treatment for febrile seizures primarily involves lowering the child's fever and ensuring their safety during a seizure. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to lower fever. In some cases, daily antiseizure medication may be recommended.

References

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Febrile seizures
Wikipedia's article - Febrile seizures

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Febrile seizures