Question

How to distinguish between febrile seizures and epilepsy?

Answer

Characteristics of Febrile Seizures:

  1. Occur in children during high fever, typically above 38.5 degrees Celsius, especially over 39 degrees.
  2. Present with generalized seizures, sudden onset, loss of consciousness, fixed or upward rolling eyes, tilting of the head, and convulsive movements of the limbs or stiffness. The corners of the mouth or facial muscles may also twitch.
  3. Recovery from consciousness is quick after the seizure, with no neurological abnormalities.
  4. Have a history of previous febrile seizures or a family history of febrile seizures. The seizures usually occur only once and do not recur after the fever subsides.
  5. Age range is between 6 months to 5 years.
  6. Electroencephalogram (EEG) during the interictal period is normal.Diagnosis of Epilepsy is more complex and primarily based on medical history, EEG, differential diagnosis, and etiological analysis. EEG during the interictal period shows a positive rate of over 50%. If repeated checks are performed and appropriate provocative tests such as hyperventilation, flashing stimulation, sleep, and medication are used, the abnormal rate can increase to 90%. The main types of epilepsy waves include spike waves, sharp waves, spike-slow waves, irregular rhythms, and other ictal rhythmic waves.