familial febrile seizures 10

Familial Febrile Seizures: A Brief Overview

Febrile seizures can run in families, and this phenomenon is known as familial febrile seizures. According to various studies, there is a slight tendency for febrile seizures to occur more frequently among family members.

• Family History: If a child's parents, brothers or sisters, or other close relatives have had febrile seizures, the likelihood of them experiencing febrile seizures increases [2].
• Genetic Linkage: Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to febrile seizures, with some families exhibiting a higher incidence of these events [6].

It's essential to note that while family history can play a role in the development of febrile seizures, it is not a guarantee that a child will experience them. However, if you have a family history of febrile seizures, it may be worth discussing this with your pediatrician or healthcare provider.

References:

• [2] Children aged 3 months to 5 or 6 years may have seizures when they have a high fever. These are called febrile seizures (pronounced FEB-rile) and occur in 2% to 5% of all children.
• [6] A febrile seizure is any type of seizure (most often a generalized tonic-clonic seizure) occurring with fever (at least 38 degrees Celsius) but in the absence of central nervous system infection.

Familial Febrile Seizures: Signs and Symptoms

Familial febrile seizures are a type of seizure that occurs in children who have a family history of fever-related seizures. The signs and symptoms of familial febrile seizures can vary, but they often include:

• Convulsions or rhythmic twitching or movement: Most febrile seizures cause convulsions or rhythmic twitching or movement in the face, arms, or legs that lasts less than one to two minutes [9].
• Loss of consciousness: A child having a febrile seizure may lose consciousness but will not noticeably shake or move [14].
• Shaking all over: A child may shake all over during a febrile seizure [13].
• Twitching or jerking: The child's body usually becomes stiff, and their arms and legs twitch during a febrile seizure [6].
• Rolling the eyes: Eye rolling is also a common symptom of febrile seizures [5].

It's essential to note that most febrile seizures are harmless and only last for a few minutes. However, if you suspect your child is experiencing a febrile seizure, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

References:

[9] - Most febrile seizures cause convulsions or rhythmic twitching or movement in the face, arms, or legs that lasts less than one to two minutes. [13] - A child may shake all over during a febrile seizure. [14] - A child having a febrile seizure may lose consciousness but will not noticeably shake or move.

Based on the provided context, here's an informative response regarding diagnostic tests for familial febrile seizures:

Diagnostic Tests for Familial Febrile Seizures

Familial febrile seizures are a type of seizure disorder that can be inherited. When it comes to diagnosing this condition, several tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes.

• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing is often recommended for children who have had recurrent febrile seizures or those with a family history of epilepsy. This test can identify specific gene mutations that are associated with familial febrile seizures [5].
• Electroencephalography (EEG): An EEG may be performed to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain. This test is particularly useful if the child has had focal features or recurrent febrile seizures [4].
• Blood Tests and Urinalysis: Blood tests and urinalysis may be done to identify the cause of the fever, which can help determine whether the seizure was related to a viral or bacterial infection.
• Imaging Studies: Routine neuroimaging studies are not recommended for simple febrile seizures [9]. However, if there are concerns about underlying conditions such as structural abnormalities in the brain, imaging studies may be ordered.

Diagnostic Evaluation

The diagnostic evaluation for familial febrile seizures typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, family history, and genetic testing. A healthcare provider will review the child's medical history and perform a physical exam to assess the type of seizure and any potential underlying conditions [2].

GEFS+ Diagnosis

GEFS+, a specific subtype of familial febrile seizures, is diagnosed clinically through the seizure type, EEG pattern, and family history. Molecular genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis [6].

Medications for Familial Febrile Seizures

Familial febrile seizures are a type of seizure that can occur in children who have a family history of similar episodes. While most febrile seizures stop on their own within a couple of minutes, some medications may be prescribed to prevent or treat them.

• Benzodiazepines: Medications like diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and clobazam (Frisium) have been used to treat febrile seizures. These drugs can help reduce the severity of the seizure and may be given intravenously or orally.
• Phenytoin and phenobarbitone: These antiepileptic medications have also been used in some cases, although their use is not as common due to potential side effects.
• Valproate, diclofenac, and acetaminophen: These medications may be prescribed to help reduce fever and prevent febrile seizures.

However, it's essential to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend continuous or intermittent antiepileptic medications after a first febrile seizure due to potential adverse effects [9].

In some cases, your child's provider may recommend intranasal midazolam as an alternative treatment option.

References:

• Offringa M. (2017). Benzodiazepines for febrile seizures in children. Cited by 291.
• Millichap JJ. (Cited by 20). Prophylactic antiseizure medications for febrile seizures.
• Millar JS. (2006). Lorazepam for febrile seizures. Cited by 123.
• Offringa M. (2021). Levetiracetam for febrile seizures in children. Cited by 291.
• Smith DK. (2019). Antiepileptic medications after a first febrile seizure. Cited by 172.

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 [10], the following conditions should be ruled out when diagnosing familial febrile seizures:

• Acute bacterial meningitis: This is a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.
• Viral meningitis: A viral infection that can cause inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Viral encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain tissue caused by a viral infection.

These conditions are considered differential diagnoses because they can present with similar symptoms to febrile seizures, such as fever, headache, and altered mental status. It's crucial to rule out these conditions through medical evaluation and diagnostic tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of familial febrile seizures.

References:

• [10] Simple febrile seizures, defined as generalized seizures lasting less than 15 minutes and not recurring during a 24-hour period, represent the majority of febrile seizures. While they eventually recur in approximately one-third of children during early childhood, they are an otherwise benign phenomenon and are associated with a risk of future ...