familial febrile seizures 8

Febrile Seizures in Young Children

Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own and do not cause any long-term damage.

• Age Group Affected: Febrile seizures typically occur in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years.
• Causes: The exact cause of febrile seizures is unknown, but it is believed that a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental triggers, contribute to their development.
• Symptoms: During a febrile seizure, the child's body becomes stiff, they lose consciousness, and their arms and legs twitch. Some children may wet themselves during the seizure.

Important Notes

• Febrile seizures are usually not a sign of epilepsy or other serious conditions.
• They can be triggered by high fevers caused by infections such as ear infections, pneumonia, or meningitis.
• If your child experiences a febrile seizure, it is essential to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.

References

[8]

Signs and Symptoms of Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures can be a frightening experience for parents, but they are usually harmless and do not indicate a serious health problem. The signs and symptoms of febrile seizures vary from child to child, but here are some common ones:

• Stiffness: During a febrile seizure, the child's body may become stiff, making it difficult to move or respond.
• Loss of consciousness: The child may lose consciousness for a few seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the type and severity of the seizure.
• Twitching: The arms and legs may twitch or convulse during the seizure.
• Rolling eyes: Some children may experience rolling eyes or other visual symptoms during a febrile seizure.

It's essential to note that not all febrile seizures are severe, and most children recover quickly without any long-term effects. However, if your child experiences multiple febrile seizures or has a family history of the condition, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance and care.

References:

• [8] A simple febrile seizure stops by itself within a few seconds to 10 minutes.
• [5]

Diagnostic Tests for Familial Febrile Seizures

Familial febrile seizures, also known as Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS+), can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and genetic testing.

• Clinical Evaluation: GEFS+ is typically diagnosed clinically based on the seizure type, EEG pattern, and family history. This involves reviewing a child's medical history and performing a physical exam to assess for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the febrile seizures.
• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis of GEFS+. This usually involves a simple blood test or cheek swab to look for gene mutations associated with the condition. Molecular genetic testing can also be used to identify specific genetic variants.

Tests Not Recommended

Routine diagnostic tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Neuroimaging (e.g., CT or MRI scans)
• Electroencephalography (EEG) are not recommended for diagnosing simple febrile seizures [8].

However, if the febrile seizures have focal features or are recurrent, an EEG may be performed to assess for any underlying neurological conditions.

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be ordered to identify the underlying cause of the fever. These can include:

• Blood testing
• Urinalysis

These tests can help rule out other conditions that may be contributing to the febrile seizures.

References: [8] Routine blood tests, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography are not recommended, and lumbar puncture is no longer recommended in patients with simple febrile seizures [9].

Treatment of Fever after Febrile Seizure

After a febrile seizure has stopped, treatment for the fever is started, usually by giving oral or rectal acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These fever-reducing medicines can help bring down your child's temperature and reduce discomfort.

• Acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children's Motrin or Advil) are commonly used to treat fevers in children.
• The goal of treatment is to make the child comfortable and reduce the risk of further complications.
• It's essential to follow your child's provider's instructions for administering these medications, as they may have specific recommendations based on your child's age, weight, and medical history.

[8]

Differential Diagnoses for Familial Febrile Seizures

Familial febrile seizures can be challenging to diagnose, and it's essential to consider various differential diagnoses to ensure accurate treatment. According to medical literature [8], the following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of familial febrile seizures:

• Acute bacterial meningitis: This is a serious infection that requires immediate attention. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status.
• Viral meningitis: A milder form of meningitis caused by viral infections, which can also present with fever, headache, and stiff neck.
• Viral encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain tissue caused by a viral infection, which can lead to seizures, confusion, and altered mental status.

These conditions are crucial to rule out in the differential diagnosis of familial febrile seizures, as they require prompt medical attention. A correct diagnosis is essential for providing appropriate treatment and preventing further complications [13].

References:

[8] Aug 2, 2022 — Differentials · Acute bacterial meningitis · Viral meningitis · Viral encephalitis. [13] A correct differential diagnosis from febrile seizures (FS) leads to an appropriate treatment, possibly preventing further severe complications. With the exclusion of infectious agents in the brain, the association of seizures with fever was recognized as FS, ... Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus ...