classification of febrile convulsion (seizure)
Last reviewed 01/2022
febrile seizure classification
Febrile seizures can be broadly divided into simple or complex based on duration, recurrence, and the presence of focal features
- majority are generalised tonic-clonic seizures,
- around 30-35% of cases have one or more complex features (focal onset, duration >10 minutes, or multiple seizures during the illness episode)
|
feature |
simple febrile seizure |
complex febrile seizures |
|
duration |
short (<15 minutes) |
longer (>15 minutes) |
|
focal features |
generalised tonic-clonic features are typical (stiffening of muscles followed by rhythmical jerking or shaking) |
focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation |
|
recurrence |
no recurrence within the next 24 hours |
may present with repetitive seizures during the next 24 hours |
|
postictal features |
no postictal pathology |
Todd’s paresis may be present (a period of paresis of affected limbs) |
SA subgroup of complex febrile seizures known as febrile status epilepticus (FSE) - seizures lasting more than 30 minutes - is present in around 5% of cases (1)
- responsible for 25% of all episodes of status epilepticus seen in children
- around two thirds of status epilepticus cases seen in the second year of life are FSE
- is considered as a medical emergency (2)
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