Survey on the management of febrile seizures.

A survey regarding the management of the child with febrile seizures was mailed to 10 000 child neurologists, neurologists, pediatricians, and family and general practitioners. The response rate varied by specialty; 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 long-term 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.