Febrile seizure (children)

Alternative names:

seizure - fever induced

Definition:

A generalized convulsion, that occurs in association with fever.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A febrile seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure that occurs in some children as a response to a fever. Febrile seizures are usually associated with rapidly rising fevers and usually occur early in the fever rather than later. The seizure may last a few seconds up to a few minutes although short seizures are more typical. It most commonly occurs in children three months to 5- years-old. Approximately two percent to five percent of children will have a seizure associated with fevers.

However, the exact cause of febrile seizures is unknown.

There is a tendency for febrile seizures to run in families. This may suggest that there are genetic factors involved. Occasionally, seizures associated with fever may be a symptom of other diseases such as poisoning, meningitis or encephalitis. Roseola, or infection with Human herpesvirus-6, is also a frequent cause of febrile convulsions in children. Dysentary caused by Shigella is frequently associated with a high fever and febrile seizures in children. A child who has a febrile seizure may not have further seizures in response to a fever.