Febrile seizures: a decision-making analysis.

Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures in childhood. Although febrile seizures may be frightening to observers, they are benign and do not cause death, neurologic damage, injury or learning disorders, and they rarely require medication. Parents of children who have febrile seizures, however, require considerable support, education and reassurance. Appropriate counseling by the physician requires knowledge of the natural history of febrile seizures. Treatment decisions should result from informed and appropriate decision-making about medication and potential risks.