Febrile convulsions
Are best treated with Sodium Valproate
Show an increase in familial incidence
May associates with low fever
Occur in 2-5% of children
(B) Show an increase in familial incidence # Characteristics of simple benign febrile convulsions:> Fits occurs within 24 hour of the onset of fever, last less than 10 minutes, usually single per febrile episode.> Convulsions are generalized, a small proportion (4-18%) of case may show focal convulsions.> There is no postictal neurological deficit and electroencephalogram a few days after the seizure is normal.> There may be a family history of febrile convulsions in the sibling.> Febrile convulsions are unusual before the age of six months and after 5 years.> Vast majority of patients do not require treatment for either their acute presentation with a seizure or for recurrences.>Best way to manage is to control the temperature with acetaminophen (Paracetamol) or by sponging. When anticonvulsant therapy is judged by a doctor to be indicated, anticonvulsants can be prescribed.> Sodium valproate or clonazepam are active against febrile seizures, with sodium valproate showing superiority over clonazepam.
Miscellaneous