Febrile seizures.

The definition, prevalence, characteristics, genetics, and causes of febrile seizures are discussed in this article. Acute management is outlined, including indications for lumbar puncture and treatment of the febrile child who is continuing to seize. The usefulness and limitations of the EEG are noted. Factors influencing the likelihood of further febrile seizures and the risk of later epilepsy are reviewed. The pros and cons of continuous and intermittent drug therapies for febrile seizure prophylaxis are summarized. A new double-blind randomized study of intermittent oral diazepam for the prevention of febrile seizure recurrences is described.