Knowra Febrile seizure Febrile seizure A seizure associated with fever in a young child, without central nervous system infection or another acute neurologic cause. Most occur between 6 months and 5 years of age.
Seizure : A transient episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can alter movement, sensation, behavior, or awareness. A febrile seizure is one kind of seizure, distinguished by its association with fever.
Simple febrile seizure : A generalized febrile seizure lasting less than 15 minutes and not recurring within 24 hours. This common pattern usually has a reassuring prognosis in otherwise healthy children.
Febrile seizure evaluation : The clinical assessment used to distinguish a febrile seizure from infection, metabolic disturbance, or another cause. The child's history, examination, and recovery guide whether further investigation is needed.
Meningitis : Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection. Unlike a febrile seizure, meningitis is a central nervous system infection that must not be missed.
Febrile seizure prognosis : The expected course after a febrile seizure, including recovery and the likelihood of later neurologic problems. Most children recover quickly and have no lasting neurologic effects.
Thermoregulation : The processes by which an organism maintains its internal body temperature within a functional range. Fever reflects altered temperature regulation, though temperature alone does not explain why a seizure occurs.
Complex febrile seizure : A febrile seizure that is focal, lasts at least 15 minutes, or recurs within 24 hours. These features can change the assessment and follow-up compared with a simple febrile seizure.
Lumbar puncture : A procedure that samples cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the lower back. It is considered when meningitis or another central nervous system infection is suspected.
Encephalitis : Inflammation of brain tissue, commonly caused by viral infection or an immune reaction. Altered mental status or other neurologic signs can suggest encephalitis rather than an uncomplicated febrile seizure.
Epilepsy risk after febrile seizures : The increased but generally low chance of later epilepsy following febrile seizures. Complex features and preexisting developmental or family factors can raise risk above the population baseline.
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