Febrile seizures and genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+)

Abstract Aim . To review the literature about febrile seizures and GEFS plus with special emphasis on management and outcome. Methods . Selected literature review. Results . Febrile seizures are the most common convulsive event in humans, occurring in 2–6% of the population. The aetiology is complex with strong evidence for a heterogeneous genetic predisposition interacting with fever of any cause, with certain viral infections having a greater effect. A large amount of literature has established that febrile seizures have no long‐term consequences on cognition or behaviour. Unfortunately, about 40% of children with a first febrile seizure will have a recurrence. The strongest predictor of recurrence is age plus (GEFS+) is a complex autosomal dominant disorder usually caused by mutations in SCN1A (a voltage‐gated sodium channel). One third of patients have febrile seizures only; two thirds have a variety of epilepsy syndromes, both focal and generalized. Conclusions . Febrile seizures may distress parents but rarely have any long‐term consequences. Reassurance is the only treatment for the vast majority. Identifying patients with GEFS plus may lead to further investigations and counselling.