Seizures associated with fever: current management controversies
Controversies about seizures with fever continue. The definition and differential diagnosis of seizures with fever are developed. A practical scheme for selective lumbar punctures is presented with emphasis on the empirical data that allows use of clinical risk factors to select those with meningitis while confidently avoiding a lumbar puncture in others. Predictors for recurrent febrile seizures are reviewed. Use of these predictors allows selection of patients for prophylactic treatment who have a reasonable chance of benefiting, without burdening others with unnecessary treatment. The value of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in febrile seizures is reviewed and disputed.
Offringa
M
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.