Characteristics of the first febrile seizures and the risk of recurrence

ABSTRACT

This study included 112 infants and children below the age of 5 years who presented with the first or second febrile seizures. Besides adequate history and almost accurate description of the first febrile seizures, all children were carefully physically examined and investigated. Children were followed up for 1 year after the first seizure for evidence of recurrence. Results showed that, febrile seizures had its peak incidence in the second year of life, with male preponderance [58%], usually of the generalized tonic and clonic type [85%], of short duration, due to rapid elevation of body temperature [38-40C], and sometimes runs in families [37%]. The identified risk factors for recurrence included onset in the first year of life, long febrile seizures [FS] of more than 15 minutes, temperature less than 39C causing convulsions, short time to seizure, family history of FS, and some prenatal and neonatal problems. Children with these identified risk factors should be carefully evaluated and prophylaxis with anti-epileptic drugs may be considered