Febrile Seizures in Children

Introduction to Febrile Seizures in Children

Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures in childhood, affecting 2-5% of children between 6 months and 5 years of age.

Key points:

  • Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in association with fever, typically above 38°C (100.4°F).
  • They most commonly occur between 6 months and 5 years of age, with peak incidence around 18 months.
  • Febrile seizures are generally benign and self-limiting, but can be frightening for parents and caregivers.
  • The risk of recurrence is approximately 30-40%, with higher risk in younger children.
  • While alarming, febrile seizures generally do not cause long-term neurological damage or affect cognitive development.

Understanding febrile seizures is crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate management and reassurance to families.



Febrile Seizures in Children
  1. What is the age range in which febrile seizures typically occur?
    Answer: 6 months to 5 years
  2. What percentage of children experience at least one febrile seizure?
    Answer: 2-5%
  3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a simple febrile seizure?
    Answer: Duration longer than 15 minutes
  4. What is the minimum body temperature typically associated with febrile seizures?
    Answer: 38°C (100.4°F)
  5. Which of the following is a risk factor for febrile seizures?
    Answer: Family history of febrile seizures
  6. What is the most common type of febrile seizure?
    Answer: Simple febrile seizure
  7. What percentage of children who have had a febrile seizure will experience recurrence?
    Answer: 30-35%
  8. Which of the following is NOT typically recommended after a first simple febrile seizure?
    Answer: Routine EEG
  9. What is the risk of developing epilepsy in children who have had febrile seizures?
    Answer: 1-2%
  10. Which of the following is a feature of complex febrile seizures?
    Answer: Focal onset
  11. What is the typical duration of a simple febrile seizure?
    Answer: Less than 15 minutes
  12. Which of the following infections is most commonly associated with febrile seizures?
    Answer: Viral upper respiratory tract infections
  13. What is the recommended first-line treatment for an active febrile seizure lasting more than 5 minutes?
    Answer: Benzodiazepines (e.g., rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam)
  14. Which of the following is NOT typically recommended for preventing febrile seizures?
    Answer: Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs
  15. What is the risk of febrile status epilepticus in children with febrile seizures?
    Answer: 5%
  16. Which of the following is a potential complication of prolonged febrile seizures?
    Answer: Mesial temporal sclerosis
  17. What is the most appropriate immediate action when a child is having a febrile seizure?
    Answer: Place the child in a safe position and observe
  18. Which of the following is NOT a typical cause of fever in children with febrile seizures?
    Answer: Bacterial meningitis
  19. What is the recurrence risk for febrile seizures in children with a family history of febrile seizures?
    Answer: Up to 50%
  20. Which of the following factors is associated with an increased risk of recurrent febrile seizures?
    Answer: Young age at first seizure (less than 18 months)
  21. What is the recommended route of administration for antipyretics in children with fever to prevent febrile seizures?
    Answer: Oral or rectal
  22. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between febrile seizures and future academic performance?
    Answer: Febrile seizures do not typically affect long-term academic performance
  23. What is the typical postictal period following a simple febrile seizure?
    Answer: Brief (usually less than 30 minutes)
  24. Which of the following is NOT a typical EEG finding in children with simple febrile seizures?
    Answer: Epileptiform discharges
  25. What percentage of children with febrile seizures will develop epilepsy by adolescence?
    Answer: Approximately 2-4%
  26. Which of the following is a contraindication for lumbar puncture in a child with febrile seizure?
    Answer: Signs of increased intracranial pressure
  27. What is the recommended duration of home observation after a simple febrile seizure?
    Answer: 24 hours
  28. Which of the following is TRUE regarding the genetics of febrile seizures?
    Answer: Febrile seizures have a complex genetic inheritance pattern
  29. What is the approximate ratio of simple to complex febrile seizures?
    Answer: 4:1
  30. Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of febrile seizures associated with HHV-6 infection?
    Answer: Focal seizures




Disclaimer

The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.





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