Febrile convulsion Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is a febrile convulsion?
A seizure occurring in children aged 6 months to 6 years, associated with a fever (≥38°C), without evidence of CNS infection or previous unprovoked seizures
What are the two main types of febrile convulsions?
- Simple: Generalised tonic-clonic, lasts < 15 minutes, does not recur within 24 hours, and complete recovery within 1 hour.
- Complex: Lasts >15 minutes, has focal features, recurs within 24 hours, or incomplete recovery within 1 hour
What is the acute management of a febrile convulsion?
Note the duration
Protect from injury (remove nearby objects)
Do not restrain or put anything in the mouth
Place in recovery position after seizure
Observe until full recovery
When should emergency help be sought?
Seizure lasts >5 minutes
Child not waking up after seizure
Repeated seizures
Breathing difficulties
Suspected serious illness (e.g., sepsis, meningitis)
What follow-up is needed after a febrile convulsion?
Simple: No routine follow-up required
Complex: General paediatric follow-up in 6–8 weeks
Acute Mx for febrile seizure lasts for >5 minutes
Buccal midazolam
Rectal diazepam
what is the rate of recurrence in febrile seizure
up to 1/3 of children with the first year after first febrile seizure
what are the roles if paracetamol and ibuprofen in febrile seizure?
helpful in reducing the temperature and distress but DOES NOT decrease recurrence
Parent Advice and Follow-Up
- Explain recurrence risk (about 1/3 will have another episode, most within 2 years).
- Advise on seizure first aid: recovery position, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, call ambulance if >5 minutes, and when to seek urgent help.
- Routine immunisations should continue as scheduled.
- Referral to paediatrics or first seizure clinic for complex cases, frequent recurrences, or additional concerns
