A 14-month-old child develops a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 5 minutes during a febrile illness (temperature 39°C). The seizure stops spontaneously. Neurological examination is normal. The MOST accurate statement regarding this event is:
- A The child requires long-term antiepileptic therapy to prevent recurrence
- B This is a simple febrile seizure with a risk of recurrence of approximately 30% but not requiring prophylactic AEDs ✓
- C An EEG is mandatory before discharge
- D A lumbar puncture must be performed in all children with febrile seizure
Correct answer: B. This is a simple febrile seizure with a risk of recurrence of approximately 30% but not requiring prophylactic AEDs
Explanation
A simple febrile seizure (SFS) is a generalized seizure lasting <15 minutes, occurring once in 24 hours, in a neurologically normal child aged 6 months–5 years with a febrile illness. The overall risk of recurrence is approximately 30–40%. Long-term antiepileptic drugs are not indicated as SFS does not increase risk of epilepsy meaningfully and the prognosis is excellent. EEG is not recommended for SFS. Lumbar puncture is recommended in infants <12 months (meningeal signs may be absent), in inadequately immunized children, or when meningitis is clinically suspected.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.