Complications of Febrile Seizures in Adults

Seizure disorders are typically associated with injury or genetic disorder. For some patients, the complication may be related to an illness that temporarily causes a spike in bodily temperature, leading to the developments of a febrile seizure and associated complications. If you are concerned about your child's seizure issues, it is important to become familiar with the complications of febrile seizures and how to effectively mitigate those complications.

Febrile seizures are associated with an infection or illness that, subsequently, results in a spike in body temperature that causes abnormal neurological impact. Fever, in most illnesses, is a natural and healthy response to illness as it is the body's natural way of fighting infection and signaling that an infection is present. When not managed effectively, however, a seizure disorder can develop.

When suffering from febrile seizures, it is important to work diligently to keep the body temperature below 100 degrees as this will help to minimize the risk for further seizures. Emergency medical treatment, to resolve the infection of concern, will also need to be sought. In many patients, soaking in a bath of cool water and using cold towels on the hair may also help while medical treatment is sought.

The onset of febrile seizures will typically not respond to seizure medications as the underlying health condition is the cause of the condition. If your doctor recommends the treatment, it is important to also inquire about the treatment for the underlying infection. Acute care, in most cases, will require that you have IV antibiotic therapy and treatment to control body temperature and to minimize recurring seizure complications. It is for this reason that medical attention should be sought.

Febrile seizures are typically an isolated health issue that can, in some cases, create further health complications. With proper medical treatment, most individuals who suffer from a febrile seizure will ultimately resolve their secondary complications without the need for further treatment. Always seek out medical treatment for the underlying infection and do not worry, so much, about the seizure occurrence.

Sources: Partial Seizure Disorders, by Mitzi Waltz