Febrile seizures.

Febrile seizures are commonly seen in emergency departments that treat children. Risk factors for initial and recurrent febrile seizures and epilepsy have been identified. Controversy still exists over the need for performing a lumbar puncture as part of the initial evaluation. Most children with a febrile seizure and meningitis present with an abnormal level of consciousness or have obvious meningeal signs. Emphasis should be placed on looking for a source of fever and reassuring and educating the caretakers.