What is the Difference Between Simple and Complex Febrile Seizure?

The main difference between simple and complex febrile seizures lies in their duration, recurrence, and focality. Here are the key distinctions between the two types:

Simple Febrile Seizures:

• Are the most common type of febrile seizures.
• Characterized by a single generalized seizure.
• Last less than 15 minutes.
• Do not recur within a 24-hour period.
• Have a lower risk of developing epilepsy later on (approximately 1-2%).
• Do not cause brain damage, intellectual disability, or learning disabilities.

Complex Febrile Seizures:

• Include focal seizures, prolonged seizures, or recurrent seizures within a 24-hour period.
• Last longer than 15 minutes, occur more than once within 24 hours, or are confined to one side of the child's body.
• Have a higher risk of developing epilepsy later on (approximately 5-10%), especially in children with a history of abnormal neurodevelopment or a family history of epilepsy.

Both simple and complex febrile seizures are most often associated with a fever and occur within 24 hours of the onset of the fever. Regardless of the type, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional after a child's first febrile seizure for proper evaluation and management.

Comparative Table: Simple vs Complex Febrile Seizure

Simple and complex febrile seizures are both types of seizures that occur in children with fever, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table summarizing the main differences between simple and complex febrile seizures:

Simple febrile seizures are more common and generally have no long-term neurodevelopmental consequences. Complex febrile seizures, on the other hand, are less common and can be associated with a higher risk of future unprovoked seizures. Risk factors for complex febrile seizures include age under 12 months, history of febrile or unprovoked seizures in first-degree relatives, low temperature at the onset of the febrile seizure, and a focal initial febrile seizure.