Febrile seizure
Febrile seizure
Febrile seizure (pronounced: /ˈfebrəl ˈsiːʒər/), also known as a fever fit or febrile convulsion, is a convulsion associated with a significant rise in body temperature. They most commonly occur in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
Etymology
The term "febrile" is derived from the Latin word "febris", meaning fever. "Seizure" comes from the Old French "saisir", meaning to grasp or take hold of, which in medical terms refers to a sudden attack or convulsion.
Definition
A febrile seizure is a type of seizure that is triggered by fever. These seizures occur in response to a spike in body temperature, often from an infection. They are the most common type of seizure in children and are usually harmless.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a febrile seizure can include a sudden rise in body temperature, loss of consciousness, and shaking or stiffening of the body. Some children may also experience postictal symptoms, such as drowsiness or confusion, following the seizure.
Causes
Febrile seizures are often caused by a rapid increase in body temperature. This can occur as a result of an infection, such as the flu or a middle ear infection. In some cases, febrile seizures may also be triggered by immunizations.
Treatment
Treatment for febrile seizures primarily involves lowering the child's fever and ensuring their safety during a seizure. This can include administering fever-reducing medication and placing the child in a safe position to prevent injury.
Related Terms
- Seizure: A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
- Fever: A temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness.
- Convulsion: A sudden, violent, irregular movement of the body, caused by involuntary contraction of muscles and associated especially with brain disorders.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Febrile seizure
- Wikipedia's article - Febrile seizure
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