Define febrile seizures.
Febrile seizures are seizures that are associated with fever (mainly temperatures exceeding 38°C (100.4°F)) in the absence of CNS infection, metabolic abnormalities, or a history of afebrile seizures.
Describe the epidemiology.
Peak incidence: 2nd year of life; most commonly occurs between 6 months and 5 years of age
Prevalence: Febrile seizures occur in ∼ 4% of all children.
Describe the pathophysiology.
The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of febrile seizures are not known. Risk factors:
Genetic predisposition
High fever (> 40°C (104°F))
Viral infection (e.g., HHV-6, influenza)
Recent immunization (especially MMR and DTaP)
Clinical features.
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