febrile convulsion OSCE scenario

angry parent

  • Clarify history -
    • type of movement
    • duration
    • post-ictal phase
  • Source of fever is...
  • No evidence that preventing fever/keeping temperature normal will prevent seizures
  • Counsels re risk of recurrence (33%)
    • increases if child is younger at first seizure
    • increases with positive family history
  • Counsels re risk of epilepsy (1% - similar to general population)
    • increases with family history of epilepsy
    • increases if febrile convulsion was complex to 5% - >1x in 24h
    • increases if this seizure lasted >30 mins → 30-40%!
    • Complex febrile convulsion warrants more in-depth investigations as with any child with low GCS
  • management same as any seizure out of hospital and in hospital
  • Gives seizure first aid advice
    • start the clock
    • safe surroundings
    • place on side/recovery position once seizure stops
    • do not give food/drink or put anything in mouth
    • call ambulance if >5 min
  • no long-term effect on brain development or function
  • no routine rescue medication given, only by speicalist
  • invites questions
  • addresses concerns non-judgmentally
  • global mark

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