Survey on the Management of Febrile Seizures

摘要

A survey regarding the management of the child with febrile seizures was mailed to 10,000 child neurologists, pediatricians, family and general practitioners. The response rate varied by specialty, and overall slightly more than half the physicians responded. One-third or less of physicians prescribed anticonvulsive therapy only at the time of febrile illness, although this practice was much less common among recent graduates. If children had lengthy or focal seizures, the majority of physicians in all specialties either prescribed chronic treatment or referred for consultation. Long term daily anticonvulsant therapy was prescribed most frequently by child neurologists and least often by general practitioners, who most often referred for consultation. Rate of hospitalization also differed according to specialty. The results of the survey indicate that the management of a child with febrile seizures may differ depending on the specialty of the attending physician.