Description A convulsion in you...
Description
A convulsion in young children caused by a rapid increase in body temperature, often from an infection. They are usually not serious but can be frightening for parents. A febrile seizure does not mean the child's brain is abnormal or that the child will develop epilepsy later in life.
Symptoms
Fever, convulsions, unconsciousness, incontinence, tongue laceration (due to involuntary biting).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests may be recommended to search for a source of infection or other causes for the fever and seizure.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, urine culture, spinal fluid cultures if febrile and seriously ill
Specialists:
Pediatrics
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests may be recommended to search for a source of infection or other causes for the fever and seizure.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Blood culture, urine culture, spinal fluid cultures if febrile and seriously ill
Specialists:
Pediatrics
Treatment
Treatment includes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is found or suspected. Hospital admission may be recommended if a child does not recover when the fever subsides, for serious infections, or if there are multiple seizures.