Convulsão febril : aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos

Abstract

Febrile seizures are benign epileptic manifestation of childhood that occurs between 3 months and 5 years of age and affects an estimated 2-5% of children. The simple febrile seizures have a benign prognosis in almost all cases, and do not require an extensive diagnostic investigation. Complex febrile seizures require a more detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory tests may be indicated because of the increased risk of underlying causes detectable and a slight increased risk for later development of epilepsy. Febrile seizures usually do not have significant negative effects on cognitive and motor development. The use of prophylactic anticonvulsants is controversial in the literature, but is not routinely recommended both simple crises, as in the complex, since its side effects outweigh the benefits of this practice. In this review, clinical and epidemiological aspects of febrile seizures will be addressed, in addition to considerations about their treatment.