Febrile seizures: perceptions and knowledge of parents of affected and unaffected children

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Abstract

Febrile seizures (FS) in children are common, but little is known about parents’ perceptions and knowledge of FS. We interviewed parents of children aged 6 months to 6 years affected by FS (FS group, 65 parents) or unaffected (control group, 54 parents). In the FS group, 32% said they knew their child had an FS when the first event occurred, and 89% described fear when the child had a seizure, with a median intensity of 10/10 (Q25/Q75: 9/10). Related to follow-up, 77% in the FS group (will) observe their child more carefully after the first seizure happened, and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F). In the FS group, 62% were unaware of FS before the first event (54% of control group did not know about FS thus far, n.s.). In the FS group, 20% would put a solid object in the mouth of a child having a seizure (control group, 39%, p = 0.030), and 92% would administer an available anti-seizure rescue medication (control group, 78%, p = 0.019). In the FS group, 71% feared that children with FS might suffocate (control group, 70%, n.s.). Conclusion: Information about FS and their management should be more available to improve parents’ coping and patient safety.What is Known:• Febrile seizures in children are common.• The prognosis of children suffering from febrile seizures is usually rather good.What is New:• Over half of parents had not informed themselves about febrile seizures so far; and only 32% of parents realized their child had a febrile seizure when it occurred.• Most parents described own fear with a median intensity of 10/10; and 63% (will) give antipyretics earlier at a median temperature of 38.2 °C (100.8 °F).

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Rice, S. A., Müller, R. M., Jeschke, S., Herziger, B., Bertsche, T., Neininger, M. P., & Bertsche, A. (2022). Febrile seizures: perceptions and knowledge of parents of affected and unaffected children. European Journal of Pediatrics, 181(4), 1487–1495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-021-04335-1

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