A febrile seizure is a convulsion (shaking, twitching, muscle
tightness) or fainting associated with a fever. It occurs in
infants or small children. This seizure is not associated with
any other illness or medical condition except the fever. There
are two types of febrile seizures called simple and complex.
They are determined by the length of seizure, how often they
recur and recovery characteristics: Simple febrile seizures: -
Convulsions last between a few seconds to 15 minutes - Seizures
are followed by a period of confusion and sleepiness which
slowly goes away Complex febrile seizures: - Last longer than 15
minutes - Occur more than once within 24 hours - Convulsions
which affect only part the body High body temperature due to a
fever is believed to trigger the seizure. The fever is most
often caused by common viral infections. Some febrile seizures
may be caused by fever after routine immunizations . Age is the
greatest risk factor. Febrile seizures occur between the ages of
three months to five years