FEBRILE SEIZURES

Key words: Febrile seizures, Prognosis, Management, Overview

Febrile seizures (FS) is the most common seizures in childhood (2-4%). The diagnostic evaluation of the child with a FS can be very limited or moderately comprehensive. The primary concern is always the need to exclude meningitis. Recurrences are common, but only a small minority will go to develop epilepsy. The association between FS and temporal lobe epilepsy probably results from complex interactions between several genetic and environmental factors. There are several syndrome-specific genes for febrile seizures. Prophylactic antipyretic and anticonvulsant therapies are not recommended. Use of rectal diazepam at home in case of convulsion is useful. The parents should be counselled about the benign nature of the FS.