Classification of febrile convulsion (seizure)

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Febrile seizures can be broadly divided into simple or complex based on duration, recurrence, and the presence of focal features

majority are generalised tonic-clonic seizures,



around 30-35% of cases have one or more complex features (focal onset, duration >10 minutes, or multiple seizures during the illness episode)

SA subgroup of complex febrile seizures known as 

- seizures lasting more than 30 minutes - is present in around 5% of cases (1)

responsible for 25% of all episodes of status epilepticus seen in children

around two thirds of status epilepticus cases seen in the second year of life are FSE

Patel N et al. Febrile seizures. BMJ. 2015 ;351:h4240

Patterson JL et al. Febrile seizures. Pediatr Ann. 2013;42(12):249-54

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feature	simple febrile seizure	complex febrile seizures
duration	short (<15 minutes)	longer (>15 minutes)
focal features	generalised tonic-clonic features are typical (stiffening of muscles followed by rhythmical jerking or shaking)	focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation
recurrence	no recurrence within the next 24 hours	may present with repetitive seizures during the next 24 hours
postictal features	no postictal pathology	Todd’s paresis may be present (a period of paresis of affected limbs)

Classification of febrile convulsion (seizure)

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