Generalised seizures of less than 15 minutes of duration that occur in the context of a high fever without the existence of an intracranial disease or inflammation that triggers them. It happens in healthy children between 6 months and 5 years of age. It is considered the most common neurological disease in children.
Most febrile seizures occur in the first 24 hours of febrile illness.
Typical febrile seizures involve a loss of consciousness with repetitive movements of the 4 limbs which abate on their own and are followed by a short period of drowsiness or confusion.
The diagnosis is reached clinically through a questioning and a physical examination. Additional testing is only conducted if seizures persist or atypical symptoms manifest.
The treatment involves lowering the body temperature with physical measures, antipyretic medication and administering benzodiazepines during the seizure.
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- John J Millichap. Treatment and prognosis of febrile seizures. UpToDate. Junio 2016
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