Febrile status epilepticus
A seizure lasting 30 minutes without fully regaining consciousness, provoked by fever (temperature greater than 38.0 degrees Celcius) at the time of seizure-onset, without a prior history of afebrile seizure and with no evidence of an acute central nervous system infection or insult.
Also called: Fever-induced status epilepticus.
Conditions associated with febrile status epilepticus
The following conditions have been associated with febrile status epilepticus in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 119
A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by the variants in the RNU2-2 gene, in which most reported...
neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and impaired intellectual and language development
neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and impaired intellectual and language development is a medical cond...
Tests providers may use to investigate febrile status epilepticus
When investigating febrile status epilepticus, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside febrile status epilepticus
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Hearing impairment
A decreased magnitude of the sensory perception of sound....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
Tremor
An unintentional, oscillating to-and-fro muscle movement about a joint axis....
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if febrile status epilepticus is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom febrile status epilepticus mean?
Febrile status epilepticus is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. A seizure lasting 30 minutes without fully regaining consciousness, provoked by fever (temperature greater than 38.0 degrees Celcius) at the time of seizure-onset, without a prior history of afebrile seizure and with no evidence of an acute central nervous system infection or insult.
Which conditions are associated with febrile status epilepticus?
Febrile status epilepticus has been reported in association with 2 conditions in the medical literature we index, including developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 119, neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and impaired intellectual and language development. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about febrile status epilepticus?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.