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Febrile Seizures
Febrile Seizures refer to generalized convulsions or spasms in children when they have a high fever. During an episode, the child may suddenly extend or convulse their entire body, experience facial muscle twitching, roll their eyes upward, and lose consciousness. The seizure typically lasts only two to three minutes and then naturally stops. This phenomenon occurs in approximately 5% of infants and young children, usually between 6 months and 5 years.
Symptoms
Febrile seizures typically occur in young children during a high fever and are more likely to happen in the early stages of a rise in body temperature. The symptoms include:
- Generalized convulsions: Sudden onset involving the entire body, including limbs and facial muscles.
- Body straightening or bending: The child's posture during the seizure may involve the body suddenly straightening or curling.
- Facial muscle twitching: Facial muscle twitching may accompany the seizure, resulting in irregular facial expressions.
- Eye rolling: The eyes may roll upward, a common feature of seizures.
- Loss of consciousness: During the seizure, the child may lose consciousness or be confused.
- Brief duration: Febrile seizures are typically short, lasting within two to three minutes and not exceeding 15 minutes.
- Spontaneous cessation: Seizures usually stop spontaneously within a short period and do not require specific medical intervention.
- Respiratory changes: Breathing may vary during the seizure, but it typically does not cause respiratory distress.
While febrile seizures may appear concerning, they are generally benign and do not have adverse effects on the child's long-term health. However, any occurrence of febrile seizures in children should prompt seeking medical assistance to ensure proper evaluation and management.
Factors
Febrile seizures are a common pediatric condition that typically occurs in children between 6 months and five years of age. The leading cause is related to the immature development of the brain. During the brain development process, it is more sensitive to temperature, so symptoms such as brief seizures and convulsions may occur when faced with fever and a rapid increase in body temperature.
Here are some possible causes:
Rapid Increase in Body Temperature | Febrile seizures are usually associated with a rapid rise in body temperature. When a child's body temperature rises sharply to a certain level, it may trigger excessive excitation of neurons, leading to seizures. |
Genetic Factors | Any illness that causes high fever, such as infectious diseases, can lead to generalized convulsions. Common examples such as Roseola, Urethritis, Tonsillitis, Influenza A, Otitis media, Gastroenteritis. Severe conditions may involve diseases like Encephalitis and Meningitis. |
Infections | Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by fever-inducing infections, especially respiratory infections. Viral or bacterial infections can cause fever, which may lead to seizures. |
Rate of Fever Increase | Some research indicates that febrile seizures may be related to the rate of fever. The risk of seizures may increase when body temperature rises rapidly. |
Epilepsy | A small percentage of children who experience febrile seizures have epilepsy (about 3%) . |
For patients with benign (typical) febrile seizures, excluding causes such as central nervous system infections, most will recover with age. The majority of patients do not develop epilepsy, and it does not impact intellectual development.
Diagnosis and Treaments
Doctors will determine the cause of fever and seizures based on the medical history and physical examination.
- Standard examinations include nasal fluid analysis, throat bacterial culture, blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, etc.
- A lumbar puncture may be necessary for cerebrospinal fluid analysis if meningitis is suspected.
- If needed, doctors may arrange additional tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etc.
- In severe cases, hospitalization may be recommended for further examination and treatment.
Doctors will treat the underlying cause and may use antipyretic medications. If bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics or anticonvulsant drugs may be prescribed to shorten the duration of seizures, but it is essential to follow the doctor's prescription and instructions carefully.
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