[Febrile seizures: current understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms].

Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common etiology of seizure in infants and children. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not clearly understood. We review the current factors that are thought to be involved in FS occurrence. Genetic factors, a fever component (immune response to infection and rise in body temperature), and neurotopic viruses are discussed. There are currently no data supporting the notion that a rapid rise in temperature provokes FS. Regarding the available data, it is obvious that several factors act together to induce FS.