Introduction
Febrile seizures (FS) are the single most common seizure type
and occur in 2 to 5% of children younger than age 5 years with a peak
incidence in the second year of life [1]. Historically FS were studied
using large epidemiologic studies. Initial studies did not exclude
seizures associated with underlying neurological disturbance [2], and
prognosis was pessimistic because of the inclusion criteria [3]. It is
currently accepted that most children who have a FS often have normal
health and development after the event. FS are considered benign, but
there is recent evidence that suggests a small subset of children that
present with seizures and fever may have recurrent FS or develop
epilepsy.
The incidence and prevalence of FS is similar across the numerous
FS studies. There is variation of incidence of FS based on geographic
location, with higher prevalence found in Japan and Guam [4-6]. FS are
not considered a form of epilepsy, but a FS can be the first presentation
of subsequent epilepsy. At this time it is not possible to predict which
child will develop an a febrile seizure after presenting with FS [7]. This
review will give an overview of the definition of FS, epidemiology,
evaluation, treatment, outcomes and recent research.