Febrile Convulsions

Abstract

Febrile convulsions are the most common convulsive disorder in childhood foond in 2-5% of children who are younger !han five years. it is most common between 14th-181h months of life. Recently the roles of zinc, melatonine, arginine, vasopressine, and enkephalins in the ethiopathogenesis of FK have been postulated. The progress of fever, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, bacterial toxins, using of high dose penicilline and antihistaminics are predisposing factors. Human Herpes Virus type-6 can also cause recurrent febrile convulsions. Lumbar puncture should be done in ali cases with febrile convulsion who are younger than one year to rule out meningitis. EEG is not necessary in simple febrile convulsions. Recurrence rate of febrile convulsion is approximately 33%. The incidence of recurrence is 50% in the first six months and 90% in the first year after the first attack. lf the first attack occurred before one year of age, the recurrence rate is more than 50%. A positive history of febrile convulsion in first degree relatives, moderately high fever, being of first child of the family, and having the convulsion before one year old are the most important factors increasing the recurrence rate. The risk of epilepsy is approximately 4% in children with febrile convulsions. The most important factors in developing epilepsy are focal seizures, long duration of convulsions and delayed pscychomotor development.