Understanding pediatric febrile convulsions

  Febrile convulsions are defined as convulsions that occur in the first months of life from 3 months to 5 years of age, at the onset of fever or during a rapid rise in body temperature, and require the exclusion of central nervous system infections and any other acute illnesses that trigger convulsions, as well as a previous history of fever-free episodes. The prevalence is about 2% to 5%, and it is the most common convulsive disorder in infancy and childhood, with a prevalence of 3% to 4%. The term febrile convulsions is inaccurate, and there is no international requirement for the degree of fever to diagnose febrile convulsions. However, febrile convulsions often occur when the body temperature rises fastest and within 24 hours after the onset of fever.  The diagnosis of febrile convulsions is mainly based on the specific age of occurrence as well as on the typical clinical manifestations, and most importantly, on the exclusion of various other diseases that may cause convulsions during the febrile period, such as central nervous system infections, infectious toxic encephalopathy, and acute metabolic disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention promptly after each febrile convulsion so that the doctor can examine and determine whether febrile convulsions can be diagnosed and exclude the possibility of other serious diseases.  The overall prognosis for febrile convulsions is good, and no cases of death directly due to febrile convulsions have been reported. More than 95% of children with febrile convulsions do not later develop G. Risk factors for the development of G after febrile convulsions include: ① complex febrile convulsions; ② the presence of central nervous system abnormalities (e.g., developmental delay); and ③ a family history of G.