Febrile seizures: A review

Abstract

Febrile seizures are common, occurring in up to 5% of children in the United States. Frequently perceived by caregivers as a life-threatening event, febrile seizures are a common cause of emergency department visits. The concern for permanent neurologic sequelae and future epilepsy after febrile seizures has resulted in a significant amount of research on these topics. The development of childhood vaccines over the past several decades has led to a significant reduction in childhood bacterial meningitis. This in turn has led to a dramatic change in the evaluation and treatment of febrile seizures. In this review, the different types of febrile seizures as well as the evaluation and prognosis of each are discussed.