- Seizure along with fever is common in young children. It is commonly known as febrile seizures.
- It is common in children between the age 6- 6 yrs. It can occur rarely beyond this age group.
- Often family history is positive for febrile seizures.Developmental milestones are normal.
- Febrile seizure is the most common genetic seizure in childhood.It has been linked to certain chromosomes
- Eventhough frightening , febrile seizure usually does not cause any injury to brain. They are called simple if the duration is less than 15 minutes, generalised( involves upper and lower limbs,with altered sensorium), not more than one attack for each episode of fever.
- At the time of seizure put the baby left lateral position( left side turned laterally).Whenever you carry him to hospital maintain left lateral position.
- Dont keep objects like metals keys to a child with seizure as it can injure your child.
- Most of the febrile seizures settle in less than five minutes time.
- For fever we can use warm water sponging and paracetamol, for control of fever.
- No long term medication is needed for febrile seizures.
- There is no role for EEG in a simple febrile seizure.
- There is no role for brain imaging IN simple febrile seizures.
- For anxious parents, drugs like clobazem can be used AS temporary prophylaxis
Superintendent, ICH.