Febrile Convulsions : Remote triage

Febrile convulsions (FC) are the most common seizure disorder in children, affecting those aged 6 months to 5 years. These seizures occur in response to fever, often due to viral infections, and are generally benign without long-term neurological consequences. With an incidence of 2-5% in the pediatric population, effective triage of febrile convulsions is essential in emergency and primary care settings. Understanding the classification of FC—simple or complex—helps guide appropriate management and referral decisions.

Current guidelines prioritize reassurance, safety, and symptom control over aggressive treatment for febrile seizures. Routine use of antiepileptic medication is not recommended for simple febrile seizures due to their benign nature. If a seizure lasts beyond five minutes, benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment. While antipyretics are commonly used, evidence does not support their role in preventing recurrent febrile seizures.