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Febrile seizures: recent developments and unanswered questions

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Abstract

Background

Febrile seizures (FS) are typically observed in infants and children affecting 2–5 % of the pediatric population and are the commonest seizures in childhood.

Objectives

The present review summarizes epidemiology, etiology, clinical picture, and diagnostic procedures as well as the therapeutic options and the different courses this disorder may take.

Method

An extensive review of literature is performed, while views and aspects towards the pathogenesis of FS are stated. Risk factors for multiple recurrences of FS and for subsequent epilepsy are analyzed. Questions regarding the treatment and follow-up of children with FS are answered.

Results

Whereas the frequency of epilepsy following simple FS is estimated to be 1.0–2.2 % of patients, and thus does not differ from the risk of normal population, complicated FS are associated with an increased risk of subsequent epilepsy in 4.1–6.0 %. Febrile status epilepticus with focal symptoms may result in approximately 5 % of cases in complex partial epilepsy. Furthermore, multiple recurrences increase the risk for generalized epilepsy (>4 %). The immediate management of FS, intermittent prophylaxis, and the effectiveness of the treatment in combination with antipyretics are presented in detail.

Conclusion

FS can cause a great anxiety and even panic to parents and to the whole family. Parents should be educated about the benign condition and the good prognosis. Although much information has been gained, much remains to be learned.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatric Neurology, 2nd Pediatric Department, A.H.E.P.A. Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Efterpi Pavlidou

  2. Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

    Efterpi Pavlidou, Christian Hagel & Christos Panteliadis

  3. Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Pediatric Department, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Avdella 10, 55131, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Christian Hagel & Christos Panteliadis

Authors
  1. Efterpi Pavlidou
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  2. Christian Hagel
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  3. Christos Panteliadis
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Correspondence to Christos Panteliadis.

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Pavlidou, E., Hagel, C. & Panteliadis, C. Febrile seizures: recent developments and unanswered questions. Childs Nerv Syst 29, 2011–2017 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2224-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-013-2224-3

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