Are febrile seizures a risk factor for the development of epilepsy
A single, isolated febrile seizure of short duration probably does not greatly influence the later development of epilepsy.
The overall risk of developing epilepsy in the general population is approximately 1%, and in those with febrile seizures, the risk increases to approximately 3%.
In general, if there are no other reasons to suspect recurrent seizures, such children are not treated.
The following features, however, have been identified as risk factors for the development of epilepsy:
- 1. Underlying neurologic or developmental abnormality
- 2. Family history of nonfebrile seizures
- 3. Prolonged febrile convulsions
- 4. Multiple febrile convulsions
- 5. Atypical or focal features (complex febrile seizures)
