Continuous phenobarbital treatment after a 'simple febril convulsion'

M. A. Pollack

In only a small proportion of young children with brief, generalized, febrile convulsions do afebrile seizures develop, but this fraction is several times the prevalence of epilepsy in an unselected population. The risk of another febrile convulsion is approximately 30%. Febrile status epilepticus during a subsequent infection is a potential source of serious morbidity and mortality. Intermittent phenobarbital administration during subsequent, febrile illnesses confers little protection against recurrent, febrile convulsions. Continuous phenobarbital administration during the preschool years is indicated for most children who have had a simple febrile convulsion.