[33] Febrile Convulsions Flashcards

1
Q

What are febrile convulsions?

A

Seizures (fits and convulsions) occurring in children aged 6 months to 5 years with fever and no underlying causes

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2
Q

When do febrile seizures typically occur in an infection?

A

Early in a viral infection when temperature is rapidly rising

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3
Q

How do febrile seizures typically present?

A

As generalised tonic-clonic seizures

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4
Q

What are the two types of febrile seizures?

A

Simple and complex

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5
Q

What is a simple febrile seizure?

A

An otherwise healthy child who has had one tonic-clonic seizure lasting less than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period

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6
Q

What are complex febrile seizures?

A

Focal, prolonged or repeated seizures in the same illness

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7
Q

What is the underlying pahtophysiology of febrile seizures?

A

Unknown but a genetic predisposition is clear

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8
Q

What are the majority of febrile seizures caused by?

A
  • Viral infections
  • Otitis media
  • Tonsillitis
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9
Q

What serious illnesses need excluding as a cause of the febrile seizures?

A
  • Meningitis
  • UTI
  • LRTI
  • Cerebral malaria
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10
Q

What are the risk factors for febrile seizures?

A
  • Rapid temperature elevation
  • Male gender
  • Family history
  • Unvaccinated
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11
Q

How do febrile seizures present?

A

As tonic-clonic seizures

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12
Q

What are tonic-clonic seizures?

A

Where the body becomes stiff and the arms and legs begin twitching, the child loses consciousness but their eyes remain open

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13
Q

What other symptoms can a febrile seizure have?

A
  • Irregular breathing
  • Incontinence
  • Vomiting
  • Increased secretions
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14
Q

What temperature does a child with febrile seizures normally have?

A

> 38

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15
Q

Are tests needed to diagnose febrile seizures?

A

No, but tests may be needed to find the underlying cause

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16
Q

What tests may be needed to identify the underlying cause of the febrile seizures?

A
  • LP
  • EEG
  • Brain MRI
  • Bloods
17
Q

What are the differentials for febrile seizures?

A
  • Meningitis
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Encephalitis
  • Epileptic seizure
  • Breath holding spells
18
Q

How should a febrile seizure be managed?

A

Protect the child from injury, check airway and put in the recovery position

19
Q

What should be given if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes?

A

Rectal diazepam

20
Q

What should be done if seizure lasts more than 10 minutes?

A

Second dose of rectal diazepam

21
Q

What is given if the two doses of rectal diazepam fail?

A

IV phenytoin

22
Q

What are the complications of febrile seizures?

A

Linked to an increased risk of epilepsy