febrile convulsions

[Dougie Macfarlane]

My 2 year old son Michael has been getting febrile convulsions on a regular basis (1 a month roughly, with many near misses) our doc and paediatrician both say it's nothing to worry about but we are both concerned about the possibilities of long term damage and also if it may develop into petit mal or grand mal epilepsy, hese had bloods and x rays taken abiut 6mths ago but is still getting them every time he has an infection. he is one of twins (first out)but the others temperature has never been a problem,  any help would be gratefulr recieved.

[HVM M.D. - EV]

Dear Dougie,
   I would agree with my colleague's response.  
   Generally, febrile seizures are not considered worrisome or dangerous. However, the frequency of your child's events do concern me. I would encourage you to speak to Michael's pediatrician and seek an evaluation with a Pediatric neurologist.  If he hasn't had an EEG - I would recommend having that study done.  I would encourage you to make note of all of his events, as well.
    Good luck -  Dr. EV

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Dougie,

The occurrence of febrile seizure in a very young child is not necessarily a source of worry, and your doctors' reassurances are not surprising.

However, because your child has had repeated and fairly frequent seizures, there is a legitimate source for concern, and it warrants examination by a pedatric neurologist. It would be wise to discuss this with your child's pediatrician.