Febrile seizures A seizure is an involuntary contraction of muscle caused by abnormal electrical brain discharges. It is a disorder under PAROXYSMAL DISORDERS.

Paroxysmal disorders are disorders that occur suddenly and recurrently. Febrile seizures are seizures associated with high fever (102 degrees F to 104 degrees F or 38.9 degrees C to 40.0 degrees C). This seizure is the most common in preschool children ( 5 months to 5 years ) although they can occur as early as 3 months or as late as 7 years of age. Shows an active tonic-clonic pattern which lasts for 15-20 sec. May occur after immunization because of an accompanying fever. It is unclear whether this type of seizure is initiated by a consistent high fever or by a sudden spike of temperature. The seizure subside quickly once the fever is lowered. Such seizures must be taken seriously because meningitis often manifests initially with high fever and a seizure.

PREVENTION: Acetaminophen is given to keep a developing fever below 101 degrees F (38.4 degrees C) and by that, seizures rarely occur. They happen most often when the child develops fever at night, when the parent is not aware of it or when the patient is reluctant to give acetaminophen in large enough doses to be therapeutic. Prophylactic use during an upper respiratory tract infection is not recommended, because Phenobarbital takes 2-3 days to reach therapeutic blood levels. It is also associated with sleepiness, which possibly reduces cognitive function in children. If a second febrile occurs, DIAZEPAM (Valium) nay be prescribed for the parents to administer the next time the child has a high fever.

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT: Tepid sponge bath after seizure subsides to reduce the fever quickly Advice not to put in a bath because accident may occur when 2nd seizure occur Applying alcohol or cold water is not advisable Parents should not give Oral meds. because aspiration might occur after a seizure due to drowsiness. If sponging is not successful, advice parents to put cool washcloths on the child s forehead, axillary, and groin areas and transport the child, lightly clothed, to a health care facility for immediate evaluation A lumbar puncture will be preformed to rule out meningitis

Antipyretic drugs to reduce fever below seizure levels will be administered Antibiotic therapy will be started depending on the type of infection Febrile seizures do not lead to brain damage and child is almost completely well afterward.