Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Febrile seizure
A seizure that occurs in young children in association with fever, typically between 6 months and 5 years of age.
Full Definition
Febrile seizures are seizures that occur in neurologically normal children between 6 months and 5 years of age in association with fever. They are classified as simple (generalized, lasting less than 15 minutes, not recurring within 24 hours) or complex (focal features, prolonged duration, or recurrent). These seizures are relatively common, affecting 2-5% of children, and while frightening for parents, simple febrile seizures generally have an excellent prognosis with minimal risk of developing epilepsy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from seizures that happen to occur during fever in children with established epilepsy.
In Context
- "The patient experienced a simple febrile seizure during a viral illness at 18 months of age." — Pediatric neurology consultation note
- "Parents should be counseled that febrile seizures do not typically lead to long-term neurological consequences." — Patient education material
Also known as
fever seizure
pyrexial seizure
Contrasted with
afebrile seizure
Don't confuse with
breath-holding spell
rigors