Criteria for febrile seizure - all of the following:
(1) seizure with sole acute provocation fever (temperature >= 38.4°C)
(2) child > 1 month of age
(3) absence of a history of afebrile seizures
Criteria for status epilepticus - one of the following:
(1) single seizure lasting >= 30 minutes
(2) multiple seizures lasting a cumulative total of >= 30 minutes without fully regaining consciousness
Exclusions:
(1) acute central nervous system infection (meningitis, encephalitis, etc)
(2) severe electrolyte imbalance
(3) pre-existing seizure disorder with fever
Sequelae following febrile status epilepticus are typically minimal. However, long-term follow-up (12 months or longer) may show a speech deficit or a more serious neurologic problem. If a serious complication is present, then the apparent febrile seizure may have been due to encephalopathy, infection or other problem that was missed.
