Convulsive Disorders in Children: Febrile Seizures, Status Epilepticus and the Conditions That Mimic Seizures

A paediatric deck on seizures. Febrile convulsions come first with the diagnostic criteria, the simple and complex types, the causes, recurrence risk factors, the differential against meningitis and encephalitis, and treatment and prophylaxis. Status epilepticus is then worked through a timed protocol from the initial airway, breathing and circulation assessment and blood work through benzodiazepines, phenytoin and phenobarbital loading to general anaesthesia and barbiturate coma, with the prognosis. The final section separates the benign paroxysmal conditions mistaken for epilepsy: pseudo-seizures, night terrors, cyanotic and pallid breath-holding spells, benign paroxysmal vertigo and torticollis, shuddering attacks, syncope and cough syncope, narcolepsy, choreoathetosis and rage attacks.