Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are a common age-dependent phenomenon that affects up to 5% of children in the United States, typically between 6 months and 5 years of age. These seizures are triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, most often due to an underlying viral illness. Febrile seizures typically occur shortly after the onset of fever and can present clinically as either generalized tonic-clonic or focal activity, depending on the classification. While febrile seizures often cause significant parental concern, most children recover fully without any long-term neurologic or developmental effects. The majority of febrile seizures are self-limiting and do not require immediate medical intervention or long-term pharmacologic prophylaxis. Risk of developing an initial or recurrent febrile seizure is influenced by several factors, including family history, child’s age at the time of the first seizure, and presence of certain underlying medical conditions that may predispose the child to seizures. In this article, we will explore the underlying pathophysiology of febrile seizures, their clinical manifestations, and potential long-term consequences, as well as review current approaches for evaluating and managing affected children.