Simple Febrile Seizures: A Benign Phenomena?

Febrile seizures are one of the most common neurological causes of visits to the emergency room. This article is a review of the current literature concerning the evaluation and treatment of children with febrile seizures. Longitudinal prospective studies such as the FEBSTAT study (consequences of prolonged febrile seizures in childhood) have contributed to elucidate the long-term outcome of patients with prolonged febrile seizures. Neurogenetic research also demonstrated the role of genetic mutations (mainly voltage-gated ion channels) in the etiology of febrile seizures. Most febrile seizures are self-limited events with low risk of injury or evolution into status epilepticus or sudden death. However, the use of rectal diazepam as acute abortive treatment for febrile seizures lasting 5 minutes or longer has gained acceptance as a first-line home intervention. Most patients with febrile seizures do not require extensive investigations, but the treatment involves a customized plan. Efforts should be directed to educate caregivers about prognosis and management of potential recurrences. In selected cases, appropriate use of preventive antiseizure medication may be a consideration.