Convulsión febril

Abstract

Febrile seizures are crisis which are observed in children under 5 years old who suffer from fever without being affected neither by a Central Nervous System infection or an electrolitic desequilibrium. It is the most common convulsive disorder in childhood; the 2-5[%] of children suffer from febrile seizures. Its etiology is linked with a strong genetic predisposition, although it can be also associated to other environmental factors. Febrile seizures are benign. They are clinically diagnosticated and can be classified into simple or complex. Except for some rare exceptions, there is no need for deeper studies rather than those that are required for common febrile illnesses. Only one out of three children suffer a relapse. The risk of relapsing increases among those yonger than 12 months and when body temperature during the crisis is under 38ºC. The risk of suffering an epileptic seizure by those who have suffered a febrile seizure is more or less the same as for those who have not. Antypiretic therapy do not prevent febrile seizures. Antiepileptic based-on preventive treatments do not decrease the risk of suffering an epileptical seizure. They do are effective in reducing relapses, however its toxicity is greater than the risks that febrile seizures might have. Generally, there is no need of derivation to child neurologists. It is a duty of the paediatrician to calm down and inform the parents.