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Simple febrile seizure — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyNeurology and neurodevelopmentSimple febrile seizureRACP Paediatrics

An 18-month-old has a generalised tonic-clonic seizure lasting 3 minutes during a febrile viral illness. He returns to baseline within 20 minutes, has no focal signs and has normal development. What would you advise the parents?

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Correct answer: B — This was a simple febrile seizure and long-term antiseizure treatment is not indicated

This is a simple febrile seizure: generalised, brief, single and followed by complete recovery in a developmentally normal child. Long-term antiseizure medication and routine neuroimaging are not indicated. The pearl is that antipyretics may improve comfort but do not reliably prevent febrile seizure recurrence.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Febrile seizure; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)