Febrile Seizures in Children

Quick Reference Card

Critical Alerts

Critical Point: Most febrile seizures are simple and benign - Reassurance and parental education are the cornerstone of management. Simple febrile seizures do NOT cause brain damage, intellectual disability, or death. [1]

⚠️ Red Flag: Rule out meningitis/encephalitis in all presentations:

• Persistent altered consciousness beyond 30-60 minutes
• Meningeal signs (neck stiffness, Kernig, Brudzinski)
• Bulging fontanelle in infants
• Petechial or purpuric rash
• Complex features warranting investigation

Key Definitions at a Glance

Emergency Treatment Summary

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Overview

Febrile seizures are the most common convulsive disorder of childhood, defined as seizures occurring in the context of fever (temperature ≥38.0°C or 100.4°F) in children between 6 months and 6 years of age, in the absence of central nervous system infection, acute electrolyte imbalance, or prior history of afebrile seizures. [1,2]

These seizures represent an age-dependent phenomenon reflecting the heightened susceptibility of the developing brain to seizures when challenged by fever. The condition is typically benign, self-limiting, and carries an excellent prognosis. The primary goals of clinical management are to exclude serious underlying causes, provide effective parental education, and minimise unnecessary investigations and interventions. [3]

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published comprehensive clinical practice guidelines emphasising the benign nature of simple febrile seizures and recommending against routine laboratory testing, neuroimaging, or electroencephalography in children presenting with simple febrile seizures who are neurologically healthy and fully immunised. [1,4]

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Epidemiology

Incidence and Prevalence

Febrile seizures affect approximately 2-5% of children in North America and Western Europe, with higher prevalence rates reported in certain Asian populations. [2,5]

Age Distribution

The peak incidence occurs between 12 and 18 months of age, with approximately 90% of first febrile seizures occurring before age 3 years. [5] The age-dependent nature of febrile seizures relates to developmental changes in the maturing brain, including:

• Immature thermoregulation and enhanced cytokine responses
• Heightened neuronal excitability during critical developmental periods
• Incomplete myelination affecting seizure threshold
• Developmental expression patterns of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors

Exam Detail: Why the 6-month to 6-year age range?

• Before 6 months: Maternal antibodies provide protection against many infections; lower infection rates; and the very young brain, while immature, may have different seizure thresholds. Seizures at this age more often indicate serious underlying pathology.
• After 6 years: The brain has matured sufficiently to resist seizure generation in the context of fever. The neuronal networks have stabilised, myelination is more complete, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission has equilibrated.

Genetic Factors

Febrile seizures demonstrate strong familial aggregation with a genetic component. [6,9]

Several susceptibility loci have been identified, including FEB1 (8q13-21), FEB2 (19p), FEB3 (2q23-24), FEB4 (5q14-15), and mutations in SCN1A (sodium channel gene) which can present as febrile seizures before manifesting as Dravet syndrome. [9]

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Aetiology and Pathophysiology

Fever Sources

The underlying cause of fever should always be identified, though febrile seizures are triggered by the fever itself rather than the specific infectious agent. [10]

Common Infectious Causes:

Clinical Pearl: Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is the single most common infectious cause of febrile seizures, responsible for approximately 10-20% of all first febrile seizures. Roseola infantum (exanthem subitum) typically presents with high fever followed by the characteristic rash after defervescence, with seizures occurring during the febrile phase. [10]

Post-Vaccination Febrile Seizures:

The risk of febrile seizures following vaccination is small and should not deter immunisation. [11]

Important Note: Post-vaccination febrile seizures carry the same benign prognosis as other febrile seizures and are NOT a contraindication to future vaccination. Parents should be reassured appropriately. [11]

Pathophysiological Mechanisms

The exact mechanism by which fever lowers the seizure threshold remains incompletely understood, but involves several interrelated processes: [12]

1. Cytokine-Mediated Effects:

• Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) released during fever directly increase neuronal excitability
• IL-1β enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission and inhibits GABAergic transmission
• These effects are more pronounced in the developing brain

2. Temperature-Dependent Ion Channel Modulation:

• Elevated temperature affects voltage-gated sodium and potassium channel kinetics
• Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels respond to temperature changes
• Temperature-sensitive changes in neuronal membrane properties lower seizure threshold

3. Respiratory Alkalosis:

• Fever induces hyperventilation in children
• Resultant hypocapnia and respiratory alkalosis increase neuronal excitability
• This mechanism may explain why seizures often occur during rapid temperature rise

4. Developmental Vulnerability:

• Enhanced expression of excitatory NMDA and AMPA receptors in the immature brain
• Reduced expression of inhibitory GABA-A receptor subunits
• Incomplete myelination affects synchronisation and propagation of neuronal activity

Exam Detail: Molecular Pathophysiology for Examination:

The febrile seizure susceptibility of the developing brain relates to:

1. GABA receptor development: Immature neurons have higher intracellular chloride concentrations, making GABA-A receptor activation less inhibitory and sometimes excitatory (depolarising rather than hyperpolarising).

2. Glutamate receptor expression: The developing brain has enhanced expression of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, which have slower deactivation kinetics and greater calcium permeability.

3. Sodium channel variants: SCN1A mutations (seen in Dravet syndrome) initially present as prolonged or recurrent febrile seizures. These channels are critical for inhibitory interneuron function.

4. Cytokine receptors: IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) is highly expressed in the hippocampus of developing brains, making this region particularly susceptible to fever-induced seizures.

Why Not All Febrile Children Seize

Only 2-5% of febrile children experience seizures, suggesting that genetic predisposition is crucial. The interplay between:

• Genetic seizure threshold (polygenic inheritance)
• Rate of temperature rise (often more important than absolute temperature)
• Specific infectious agent and cytokine profile
• Individual neuronal development and maturation

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Clinical Presentation

Simple Febrile Seizure (70-80% of cases)

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a simple febrile seizure as a seizure meeting ALL of the following criteria: [1,4]

Typical Presentation:

• Sudden onset generalised tonic-clonic activity
• Loss of consciousness
• Eye deviation (usually upward or lateral, non-focal)
• Duration typically 1-3 minutes
• Brief post-ictal drowsiness (usually less than 30 minutes)
• Full return to baseline alertness and neurological function

Complex Febrile Seizure (20-30% of cases)

A complex febrile seizure is defined by the presence of ANY ONE of the following features: [1,4]

Febrile Status Epilepticus:

• Defined as a febrile seizure lasting ≥30 minutes, OR
• Multiple febrile seizures without return to baseline between episodes
• Accounts for approximately 5% of all febrile seizures
• Associated with increased risk of subsequent febrile status epilepticus and epilepsy
• Requires aggressive management per status epilepticus protocols [13]

Key History Points

When evaluating a child with a febrile seizure, obtain detailed history regarding:

Seizure Description:

• Exactly what movements were observed (generalised vs focal)
• Direction of eye deviation
• Duration (timed vs estimated)
• Responsiveness during the event
• Tongue biting or urinary incontinence (uncommon in young children)
• Any preceding aura (older children) or behavioural change

Recovery Phase:

• Time to return to baseline consciousness
• Any focal weakness (Todd's paralysis)
• Duration of post-ictal drowsiness
• Current neurological status

Fever and Illness:

• Duration and pattern of fever
• Maximum recorded temperature
• Source of fever identified?
• Upper respiratory symptoms, ear pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash
• Sick contacts, daycare attendance

Past Medical History:

• Prior febrile seizures (number, description, management)
• Prior afebrile seizures (red flag - not a febrile seizure)
• Developmental history (normal milestones vs delay)
• Immunisation status (Hib, pneumococcal - relevant for meningitis risk)
• Neonatal history (NICU stay, perinatal complications)

Family History:

• Febrile seizures in first-degree relatives
• Epilepsy in family members
• Neurodevelopmental disorders

Medications:

• Recent antibiotics (may mask meningitis presentation)
• Antipyretics given (when, dose, effect on fever)
• Any anticonvulsant medications

Physical Examination

Vital Signs:

• Temperature (confirm fever ≥38°C)
• Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure
• Oxygen saturation (if prolonged seizure or respiratory concern)

General Assessment:

• Level of consciousness (should be improving/normal for simple FS)
• Hydration status
• Toxicity assessment (ill-appearing vs well-appearing)

Infectious Source Evaluation:

Neurological Examination:

Clinical Pearl: Meningeal signs are unreliable in infants less than 12-18 months. In this age group, look for:

• Irritability or inconsolable crying
• Bulging fontanelle (late sign)
• Paradoxical irritability (crying when picked up)
• Poor feeding
• Lethargy or abnormal drowsiness beyond expected post-ictal state

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Red Flags and Differential Diagnosis

Red Flags Suggesting Serious Pathology

⚠️ Red Flag: Immediately exclude meningitis/encephalitis if ANY of the following are present:

Differential Diagnosis

Seizure with Fever - Not a Febrile Seizure:

Events Mimicking Seizure:

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Investigations

Simple Febrile Seizure - No Routine Testing Required

Important Note: AAP Guideline Recommendations (2011): [1,4]

For a well-appearing, neurologically normal child presenting with a simple febrile seizure, the following are NOT routinely recommended:

• Lumbar puncture
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
• Routine blood tests (glucose, electrolytes, blood count)

The focus should be on identifying the source of fever and providing parental education.

Identify the Fever Source

All children with febrile seizures should have the source of fever identified through clinical assessment: [1]

Investigation Based on Clinical Presentation:

Indications for Lumbar Puncture

The decision to perform lumbar puncture should be based on clinical assessment of meningitis risk: [1,4,14]

AAP Recommendations:

Evidence Debate: Lumbar Puncture Controversy:

The rate of bacterial meningitis in children presenting with febrile seizures has declined substantially since widespread Hib and pneumococcal vaccination. A systematic review found the rate of bacterial meningitis in children presenting with first simple febrile seizure to be approximately 0.2-0.6%, and virtually all cases had clinical features suggestive of meningitis on examination. [14]

The NICE guidelines (UK) suggest that LP is not routinely required for simple febrile seizures if the child is fully immunised and well-appearing, but clinical vigilance remains essential.

Indications for Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging is NOT indicated for simple febrile seizures. [1,4]

Consider neuroimaging (usually MRI preferred over CT) if: [4]

Indications for EEG

EEG is NOT indicated for simple febrile seizures. [1,4]

Consider EEG if:

Clinical Pearl: EEG Timing: If EEG is indicated, it should be performed > 48-72 hours after the seizure to avoid misinterpretation of post-ictal slowing as an abnormality. An EEG within 24 hours may show non-specific slowing that does not indicate epilepsy.

Laboratory Studies

Not routinely required for simple FS but consider if clinical concern: [1]

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Risk Factors for Recurrence

Recurrence Rate

Approximately 30-35% of children who experience a febrile seizure will have at least one recurrence. [7,15]

Exam Detail: Risk Factors for Recurrence - Key Examination Points:

Cumulative Risk:

• 0 risk factors: ~10-15% recurrence
• 1-2 risk factors: ~25-35% recurrence
• 3-4 risk factors: ~50-70% recurrence
• All major risk factors: ~70-80% recurrence

Risk of Epilepsy

The relationship between febrile seizures and subsequent epilepsy is an important counselling point. [16,17]

Overall Risk:

• General population risk of epilepsy: ~1%
• Risk after simple FS: 1-2% (minimally elevated)
• Risk after complex FS: 4-6%
• Risk after febrile status epilepticus: 6-8%

Risk Factors for Subsequent Epilepsy:

Clinical Pearl: The FEBSTAT Study (prospective study of febrile status epilepticus, n=199) found that febrile status epilepticus is associated with increased risk of subsequent epilepsy (approximately 11% at 5-year follow-up), particularly temporal lobe epilepsy. MRI evidence of acute hippocampal injury was seen in 22% of children with febrile status epilepticus. [13]

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Management

Principles of Management

1. Manage active seizure if ongoing (≥5 minutes - treat as status epilepticus)
2. Exclude serious underlying cause (meningitis, encephalitis)
3. Identify and treat the fever source
4. Provide supportive care (fever management, hydration)
5. Parental education and reassurance - cornerstone of management
6. Discharge planning with clear return precautions

Acute Seizure Management

Duration less than 5 minutes: Most febrile seizures stop spontaneously within 2-3 minutes. [1]

Duration ≥5 minutes (Treat as Status Epilepticus): [18]

Clinical Pearl: Buccal Midazolam is the community/prehospital treatment of choice. The ECLIPSE trial (randomised, n=893) demonstrated that buccal midazolam was more effective than rectal diazepam for terminating seizures in the community setting (56% vs 27% seizure cessation before reaching hospital). [18]

Fever Management

Antipyretic Use:

Important Note: Antipyretics do NOT prevent febrile seizure recurrence.

Multiple randomised controlled trials and a Cochrane systematic review have conclusively demonstrated that prophylactic antipyretics, whether given at fever onset or regularly during febrile illness, do NOT reduce the risk of febrile seizure recurrence. [19]

Antipyretics should be used for child comfort (reducing distress, improving feeding/sleep) rather than seizure prevention. Parents should be explicitly counselled on this point.

Treat the Underlying Infection

Management of the fever source follows standard paediatric guidelines:

• Viral infections: Supportive care, hydration
• Acute otitis media: Antibiotics if meets criteria (age, severity, bilateral)
• Urinary tract infection: Appropriate antibiotics based on age and culture
• Pneumonia: Antibiotics per local guidelines

Prophylactic Anticonvulsant Therapy

Important Note: AAP and NICE Guidelines: Prophylactic anticonvulsants are NOT recommended for simple febrile seizures. [1,4,20]

The risks of chronic anticonvulsant therapy (sedation, cognitive effects, behavioural changes) outweigh any potential benefit in preventing recurrence of a benign condition.

Continuous Prophylaxis - Not Recommended:

• Phenobarbital: Effective but associated with significant behavioural and cognitive side effects
• Valproic acid: Effective but hepatotoxicity risk in young children; not justified for benign condition

Intermittent Prophylaxis - Generally Not Recommended:

• Oral diazepam at fever onset: Some efficacy but sedation, ataxia, and masking of serious illness
• May be considered only in very select high-risk cases after specialist discussion

Rescue Medication for Prolonged Seizures: Consider prescribing buccal midazolam for home use in children with:

• History of febrile status epilepticus
• Recurrent prolonged febrile seizures (≥5 minutes)
• Limited access to emergency care

Training for parents on administration is essential.

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Prognosis and Long-term Outcomes

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Multiple large prospective studies have demonstrated that simple febrile seizures have no adverse effect on cognitive development, academic achievement, or behaviour. [3,17]

Mortality

Febrile seizures themselves are not associated with mortality. Deaths are extremely rare and invariably related to the underlying infection (e.g., meningitis, septicaemia) rather than the seizure itself. [3]

Long-term Seizure Outcomes

The vast majority of children (> 95%) will "outgrow" febrile seizures by age 5-6 years with no long-term neurological consequences. [17]

Mesial Temporal Sclerosis - The Debate

Evidence Debate: Do prolonged febrile seizures cause hippocampal damage and temporal lobe epilepsy?

This remains a topic of ongoing research:

Evidence suggesting an association:

• Some adults with mesial temporal sclerosis and temporal lobe epilepsy report a history of prolonged febrile seizures in childhood
• The FEBSTAT study demonstrated acute hippocampal changes on MRI in 22% of children with febrile status epilepticus [13]
• Animal models show that prolonged febrile seizures can cause hippocampal changes

Evidence against a causal relationship:

• A long-term follow-up study (Neurology 2012) found no increased hippocampal sclerosis or MRI abnormalities in adults who had febrile seizures as children [16]
• Many children with mesial temporal sclerosis have no history of prolonged febrile seizures
• The relationship may reflect shared genetic susceptibility rather than causation

Current Consensus: The relationship between febrile status epilepticus and later temporal lobe epilepsy is likely complex, involving genetic predisposition and acute injury. Simple febrile seizures do NOT cause hippocampal sclerosis.

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Disposition and Follow-up

Discharge Criteria (Simple Febrile Seizure)

A child with a simple febrile seizure can be discharged if ALL of the following are met:

Admission Criteria

Consider admission for:

Specialist Referral

Refer to Paediatric Neurology if:

• Recurrent complex febrile seizures
• Febrile status epilepticus
• Abnormal neurological examination
• Concern for underlying epilepsy syndrome (e.g., Dravet syndrome)
• Developmental delay or regression
• Family history of genetic epilepsy syndromes

Follow-up Arrangements

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Parent Education

Essential Teaching Points

1. Explanation of Febrile Seizures:

"A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, usually from an infection like a cold or ear infection. These are common - about 2-5% of children have one. They are NOT caused by brain damage, and they do NOT cause brain damage."

2. Reassurance About Prognosis:

"Simple febrile seizures are benign. They do not cause learning problems, developmental delay, or brain injury. Your child will develop completely normally. Studies following thousands of children have confirmed this."

3. Recurrence Information:

"About 1 in 3 children who have a febrile seizure will have another one. This is more likely if your child is under 18 months old or if there is a family history of febrile seizures. Even with recurrences, the prognosis remains excellent."

4. Epilepsy Risk:

"The risk of your child developing epilepsy is slightly higher than average (about 2% compared to 1% in children who never had febrile seizures), but this means 98% of children with febrile seizures do NOT develop epilepsy."

5. Fever Management:

"Medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen will make your child more comfortable during fever but will NOT prevent another febrile seizure. Use them for comfort, not to prevent seizures."

What to Do if Another Seizure Occurs

Written instructions to provide to parents:

1. Stay calm - most seizures stop within 2-3 minutes
2. Note the time - this is important
3. Place child on their side (recovery position) on a safe surface
4. Protect from injury - move sharp objects away, cushion head
5. Do NOT put anything in the mouth - they will not swallow their tongue
6. Do NOT restrain - let the seizure run its course
7. Stay with your child and observe
8. After the seizure stops - keep them on their side, let them rest

Call 999/Emergency Services if:

• Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• Child has difficulty breathing or turns blue
• Seizure does not stop after giving rescue medication (if prescribed)
• Child does not wake up or return to normal within 30-60 minutes
• Another seizure occurs before child has fully recovered
• Child has a stiff neck, rash that doesn't blanch, or seems very unwell
• You are worried

When to Seek Medical Attention

Return to Emergency Department if:

• Another seizure within 24 hours
• Increasing drowsiness or not waking up
• Stiff neck or unable to look down at chest
• Rash that does not blanch when pressed (use glass test)
• Severe or worsening headache
• Persistent vomiting
• Not drinking or signs of dehydration
• High fever not responding to antipyretics
• You are concerned about your child

Written Information

Provide written information reinforcing verbal education. Resources include:

• NHS Choices: Febrile Seizures information leaflet
• Epilepsy Society patient information
• Local hospital/department information sheets

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Special Populations and Considerations

Age less than 6 Months

Febrile seizures are rare before 6 months of age. A seizure with fever in this age group requires thorough evaluation: [1,4]

• Higher suspicion for serious bacterial infection (meningitis, UTI, bacteraemia)
• Lower threshold for full septic workup including lumbar puncture
• Consider alternative diagnoses (neonatal seizures, structural abnormalities)
• Admit for observation

Age > 6 Years

A first febrile seizure after age 6 years is atypical and should prompt investigation: [4]

• Consider alternative diagnoses (epilepsy with fever trigger, encephalitis)
• Lower threshold for EEG
• Paediatric neurology referral recommended

Recurrent Febrile Seizures

Children with recurrent febrile seizures: [7,15]

• Generally have the same benign prognosis as single FS
• May benefit from written seizure management plan
• Consider rescue buccal midazolam if seizures typically prolonged (> 5 minutes)
• Parental education about recurrence risk factors
• Routine prophylactic anticonvulsants NOT recommended

Febrile Status Epilepticus

Seizures lasting ≥30 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery between: [13]

• Treat aggressively per status epilepticus protocol
• Higher risk of recurrent prolonged seizures
• Higher risk of subsequent epilepsy (approximately 10-15% at 10 years)
• Consider MRI brain (look for hippocampal changes)
• Consider EEG (baseline for future comparison)
• Prescribe rescue buccal midazolam for home
• Paediatric neurology follow-up essential
• Consider genetic testing if multiple episodes (SCN1A mutations/Dravet syndrome)

Children with Developmental Delay

Children with pre-existing developmental delay who have febrile seizures: [4]

• May have underlying seizure susceptibility
• Higher risk of subsequent epilepsy
• Lower threshold for EEG
• Paediatric neurology involvement recommended
• May represent emerging genetic epilepsy syndrome

Post-Vaccination Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures occurring after vaccination (particularly MMR, MMRV, DTaP): [11]

• Same clinical features and prognosis as other febrile seizures
• NOT a contraindication to future vaccination
• Consider separate MMR and varicella vaccines rather than MMRV if concerned (lower FS risk with separate vaccines)
• Document in medical records for future vaccine planning
• Provide parental reassurance about vaccine safety

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Quality Metrics and Documentation

Key Documentation Points

Appropriate Investigation Rates (Quality Indicators)

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Key Clinical Pearls

Diagnostic Pearls

Clinical Pearl: 1. Simple febrile seizure = benign condition - The primary "treatment" is parental reassurance and education. Avoid unnecessary investigations that increase anxiety without improving outcomes.

2. Duration less than 15 minutes is NOT precise - A febrile seizure lasting 10-14 minutes, while technically "simple," is at the longer end and warrants closer observation. Most simple FS last 1-5 minutes.

3. Return to baseline is essential - A child who is not interactive, alert, and neurologically normal within 30-60 minutes of seizure cessation needs further evaluation. Post-ictal drowsiness for 15-30 minutes is normal.

4. Always examine for fever source - The seizure is the presenting complaint, but the infection needs diagnosis and treatment.

5. Age matters - Seizures with fever at less than 6 months or > 6 years are NOT typical febrile seizures and require thorough investigation.

Treatment Pearls

Clinical Pearl: 1. Most seizures stop spontaneously - Do not panic. Time the seizure, ensure safety, and treat only if > 5 minutes.

2. Buccal midazolam is first-line in the community - More effective and easier to administer than rectal diazepam. Ensure parents prescribed rescue medication are trained in its use.

3. Antipyretics do NOT prevent febrile seizures - This is perhaps the most important point to communicate to parents. Use antipyretics for comfort, not prevention.

4. Prophylactic anticonvulsants are NOT indicated - The risks outweigh benefits for a benign, self-limiting condition.

5. Treat the infection, not the seizure - After the acute seizure management, focus shifts to identifying and treating the underlying cause of fever.

Disposition Pearls

Clinical Pearl: 1. Simple febrile seizures can be safely discharged - With appropriate parental education, written instructions, and follow-up arrangement.

2. Complex features warrant closer evaluation - But not necessarily admission. A well child with a single 18-minute generalised seizure who has returned to baseline may be observed in ED and discharged.

3. Parental anxiety is valid - A first febrile seizure is terrifying for parents. Take time for thorough education and address concerns.

4. Neurology referral is not routine - Reserve for complex FS, febrile status epilepticus, abnormal neurology, or concern for epilepsy syndrome.

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Viva Points

Viva Point: Opening Statement: "Febrile seizures are the most common convulsive disorder of childhood, affecting 2-5% of children between 6 months and 6 years of age. They are defined as seizures associated with fever in the absence of CNS infection, metabolic derangement, or prior afebrile seizures. Simple febrile seizures are benign, require minimal investigation, and have excellent prognosis."

Key Facts to Mention:

• Peak age 12-18 months
• 70-80% are simple (generalised, less than 15 min, single in 24h)
• 30-35% recurrence rate
• 1-2% risk of epilepsy after simple FS (vs 1% baseline)
• Antipyretics do NOT prevent recurrence (Cochrane evidence)
• AAP guidelines recommend against routine LP, EEG, or imaging for simple FS

Classification Quote: "Simple febrile seizures are generalised, last less than 15 minutes, and do not recur within 24 hours. Complex febrile seizures have focal features, prolonged duration over 15 minutes, or multiple seizures within 24 hours."

When Asked About Investigation: "For a well-appearing child with a simple febrile seizure, AAP guidelines recommend against routine laboratory testing, lumbar puncture, EEG, or neuroimaging. The focus should be on identifying the fever source and providing parental education. LP should be considered if there are clinical signs of meningitis, the child is incompletely immunised, or antibiotics were given prior to assessment."

Common Examiner Questions

Q: A 14-month-old has a 3-minute generalised seizure with fever 39°C. Fully immunised. Alert and playful now. What investigations would you do?

A: "This is a simple febrile seizure in a well-appearing, fully immunised child. Following AAP guidelines, routine investigations are not indicated. I would perform a thorough clinical examination to identify the fever source - checking ears, throat, chest, and considering urinalysis if no obvious source. I would not routinely perform lumbar puncture, EEG, blood tests, or neuroimaging. Management focuses on treating the underlying infection and providing comprehensive parental education about the benign nature of simple febrile seizures."

Q: What are the risk factors for recurrence?

A: "The main risk factors for recurrence are: age under 18 months at first seizure, lower temperature at the time of seizure (suggesting a lower seizure threshold), shorter duration of fever before seizure, family history of febrile seizures in first-degree relatives, and family history of epilepsy. With multiple risk factors, the recurrence risk can be as high as 50-70%."

Q: Should you prescribe prophylactic anticonvulsants?

A: "No. Current AAP and NICE guidelines recommend against prophylactic anticonvulsants for simple febrile seizures. The potential side effects of phenobarbital (behavioural and cognitive) and valproate (hepatotoxicity risk in young children) outweigh any benefit in preventing recurrence of a benign condition. Intermittent oral diazepam at fever onset is also not routinely recommended due to sedation and masking of serious illness. Rescue buccal midazolam may be considered for children with history of febrile status epilepticus or recurrent prolonged seizures."

Q: What do you tell parents about epilepsy risk?

A: "I would explain that the risk of developing epilepsy after simple febrile seizures is only slightly higher than the general population - approximately 1-2% compared to 1% baseline. This means 98% of children with simple febrile seizures will NOT develop epilepsy. The risk is higher (4-6%) with complex febrile seizures and up to 6-8% with febrile status epilepticus. I would emphasise that even with recurrent febrile seizures, the prognosis for normal development is excellent."

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Common Mistakes That Fail Candidates

⚠️ Warning: Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Ordering routine investigations for simple FS - Demonstrates lack of guideline knowledge. "I would do a CT brain to rule out pathology" = immediate red flag.

2. Recommending prophylactic anticonvulsants - Guidelines are clear that these are not indicated. "I would start phenobarbital prophylaxis" = fail.

3. Claiming antipyretics prevent seizure recurrence - Multiple RCTs and Cochrane review show they don't. Use antipyretics for comfort only.

4. Not distinguishing simple from complex FS - The classification is fundamental and determines investigation/management approach.

5. Missing meningitis in differential - Always state that meningitis must be excluded, particularly in young infants or with any red flags.

6. Forgetting parental education - This is a cornerstone of management. Always mention that you would provide comprehensive education and written information.

7. Not knowing recurrence risk factors - Key facts: age less than 18 months, lower temperature, shorter fever duration, family history.

8. Confusing with epilepsy - Febrile seizures are NOT epilepsy. The risk of developing epilepsy is low (1-2% for simple FS).

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References

1. Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures, American Academy of Pediatrics. Febrile seizures: clinical practice guideline for the long-term management of the child with simple febrile seizures. Pediatrics. 2008;121(6):1281-1286. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0939

2. Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management, Subcommittee on Febrile Seizures. Febrile seizures: guideline for the neurodiagnostic evaluation of the child with a simple febrile seizure. Pediatrics. 2011;127(2):389-394. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3318

3. Verity CM, Greenwood R, Golding J. Long-term intellectual and behavioral outcomes of children with febrile convulsions. N Engl J Med. 1998;338(24):1723-1728. doi:10.1056/NEJM199806113382403

4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Epilepsies: diagnosis and management. Clinical guideline [CG137]. Updated 2022. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg137

5. Hauser WA. The prevalence and incidence of convulsive disorders in children. Epilepsia. 1994;35(Suppl 2):S1-S6. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1994.tb05932.x

6. Shinnar S, Glauser TA. Febrile seizures. J Child Neurol. 2002;17(Suppl 1):S44-S52. doi:10.1177/08830738020170010601

7. Berg AT, Shinnar S, Darefsky AS, et al. Predictors of recurrent febrile seizures. A prospective cohort study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151(4):371-378. doi:10.1001/archpedi.1997.02170410045006

8. Tsuboi T. Epidemiology of febrile and afebrile convulsions in children in Japan. Neurology. 1984;34(2):175-181. doi:10.1212/WNL.34.2.175

9. Audenaert D, Van Broeckhoven C, De Jonghe P. Genes and loci involved in febrile seizures and related epilepsy syndromes. Hum Mutat. 2006;27(5):391-401. doi:10.1002/humu.20279

10. Hall CB, Long CE, Schnabel KC, et al. Human herpesvirus-6 infection in children. A prospective study of complications and reactivation. N Engl J Med. 1994;331(7):432-438. doi:10.1056/NEJM199408183310703

11. Barlow WE, Davis RL, Glasser JW, et al. The risk of seizures after receipt of whole-cell pertussis or measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(9):656-661. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa003077

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14. Kimia A, Ben-Joseph EP, Rudloe T, et al. Yield of lumbar puncture among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure. Pediatrics. 2010;126(1):62-69. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-2741

15. van Stuijvenberg M, Steyerberg EW, Derksen-Lubsen G, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of ibuprofen syrup administered during febrile illnesses to prevent febrile seizure recurrences. Pediatrics. 1998;102(5):E51. doi:10.1542/peds.102.5.e51

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19. Offringa M, Newton R, Cozijnsen MA, et al. Prophylactic drug management for febrile seizures in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2:CD003031. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003031.pub3

20. Steering Committee on Quality Improvement and Management. Clinical Practice Guideline—Febrile Seizures: Guideline for the Neurodiagnostic Evaluation of the Child With a Simple Febrile Seizure. Pediatrics. 2011;127(2):389-394. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3318

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Deck: MRCPCH::Neurology::Febrile Seizures