Publication:

A study of etiology and characteristics of febrile convulsions and epilepsy among children

Background Globally in all parts of the world, epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder of chronic nature. Seizures among children are common and challenging for the pediatrician. The objective of this study was to study etiology and characteristics of febrile convulsions and epilepsy among childrenMethods: The present study was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care centre among subjects who had seizures. Subjects were recruited from pediatric ward, consecutively hospitalization of pediatric patients, and of either sex who presented with history of seizures. The data included demographic details and history.

Results Total febrile seizures were 25.46% and overall incidence was around 2.57%. Preponderance of male constituting 62.65% over female 37.35% was observed. Most of the febrile seizures were simple type. Fever due to upper respiratory tract infection was commonest cause. It was not associated with any complications. Epileptic cases were 38.65% of total cases and overall incidence was 3.9%. In this group also, there was male preponderance. It increased with age. Commonest presentations of epileptic seizures were generalized in 67.46%. Most common cause of acute symptomatic seizures was viral encephalitis (28.34%). Numbers of deaths were more in acute symptomatic.

Conclusions As there were no morbidity and mortality with febrile seizures so it is possible to explain the benign nature of febrile seizures to their parents. Acute symptomatic seizures are to be identified and treated immediately.