Hello,
In
FEBRILE seizures children tend to run a
fever which is typically defined as >100.4 F (>38 C) in the absence of an infection of the CETNRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (brain/spinal cord/
meninges).
There could have an infection elsewhere but just not of the nervous system to be considered a febrile convulsive episode.
Sometimes NO FEVER is detected PRIOR to the seizure but then, it shows up afterward within 15-30 min.
These episodes are typically seen in infants with an average age up to about 2 years old.
They can be seen in children up to 6 years by definition but at this point they should be getting less and less as time goes on.
I recommend you speak to your doctor about the medication issue since the most current information DOES NOTsupport the use of DAILY ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICATION (e.g. Valparin) unless the febrile episodes are prolonged (>5 minutes) or children live in remote areas with poor access to healthcare facilities.
Children can be given rectal suppositories of
diazepam to stop febrile seizures if the episode or
convulsion is lasting LONGER THAN 5 minutes. But nothing need be given in the majority of cases of true febrile seizures if the diagnosis is not
epilepsy.
Check with your doctor and get them to give you a fair explanation as to the child's actual diagnosis and rationale for the medication if indeed they are making the definitive call of FEBRILE
SEIZURE DISORDER.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist