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What are the risk factors of febrile convulsions?

‘The presence of anaemia or neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, also increases the risk of febrile convulsions’ (Sharp, 2016, ‘Management of febrile convulsions within the pre-hospital environment’, Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol. 8, No. 9, pp. 447-451

Other risk factors listed in the same article:

  • Family history in 25-40%
  • Ethnicity – Indian and Guam (in the US) children have statistically higher chances of developing epilepsy
  • ‘A family history of epilepsy also increases the risk (Paul et al, 2012; Paul et al, 2015)’
  • ‘However it should be noted that around 50% of children presenting with febrile convulsions do not have any risk factors (Paul et al, 2012)’

(Sharp, 2016: 447)

febrile illness


The purpose of these posts is to summarise expert knowledge to provide quick and simple answers to simple questions. These posts do not intend to replace the benefits of reading the entire referenced article. If this is your topic of interest, read more by following the links or references listed. 

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