Febrile Seizures (cont.)
How are febrile seizures prevented?
If a child has a fever most parents will use fever-lowering drugs such as
acetaminophen or
ibuprofen to make the child more comfortable, although there
are no studies that prove that this will reduce the risk of a seizure. One
preventive measure would be to try to reduce the number of febrile illnesses,
although this is often not a practical possibility.
Prolonged daily use of oral anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital or
valproate, to prevent febrile seizures is usually not recommended because of
their potential for side effects and questionable effectiveness for preventing
such seizures.
Children especially prone to febrile seizures may be treated with the drug
diazepam orally or rectally, whenever they have a fever. The majority of
children with febrile seizures do not need to be treated with medication, but in
some cases a doctor may decide that medicine given only while the child has a
fever may be the best alternative. This medication may lower the risk of having
another febrile seizure. It is usually well tolerated, although it occasionally
can cause drowsiness, a lack of coordination, or hyperactivity. Children vary
widely in their susceptibility to such side effects.
What research is being done on febrile seizures?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke (NINDS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sponsors
research on all forms of febrile seizures in medical centers throughout the
country. NINDS-supported scientists are exploring what environmental and genetic
risk factors make
children susceptible to febrile seizures. Some studies suggest that women who
smoke or drink alcohol during their pregnancies are more likely to have children
with febrile seizures, but more research needs to be done before this link can
be clearly established. Scientists are also working to pinpoint factors that can
help predict which children are likely to have recurrent or long-lasting febrile
seizures.
Investigators continue to monitor the long-term impact that febrile seizures
might have on intelligence, behavior, school achievement, and the development of
epilepsy. For example, scientists conducting studies in animals are assessing
the effects of seizures and anticonvulsant drugs on brain development.
Investigators also continue to explore which drugs can effectively treat or
prevent febrile seizures and to check for side effects of these medicines.
Next: Where can I get more information? »
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Lumbar Puncture -
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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