Evaluation and Management of Simple & Complex Febrile Seizures

Faculty

Needs Statement

Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizure in children. Although febrile seizures are now thought to be a relatively benign syndrome, children who have experienced them are more likely than other children to later develop unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. Even though the risk of unprovoked seizures after febrile seizures is on the order of a few percent, it is several times higher than what is seen in the general population. Furthermore, a history of febrile seizures is present in many individuals who have epilepsy or unprovoked seizures. The goals of febrile seizure management are to prevent prolonged complex seizures and relieve the stress and fear of parents and caregivers. This activity is designed to review current literature regarding febrile seizures in order to provide physicians with the tools and information needed to make the best decisions for their pediatric patients with febrile seizures.

Target Audience

This program is designed to address the educational needs of child neurologists, pediatricians, and physicians in other specialties who are interested in augmenting their knowledge of febrile seizures.

Objectives

1. Review the epidemiology and prognosis associated with each type of febrile seizure, including febrile status epilepticus;
2. List the risk factors for each type of febrile seizures and identify patients with these risk factors in your practice;
3. Describe the treatment options that are available for febrile seizures.

Accreditation

CME
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and MedLogix Communications, LLC. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Shinnar serves as a Consultant to Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Valeant Pharmaceuticals; has received Research Support from Marinus Pharmaceuticals and Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; serves on the Speaker's Bureau for Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., UCB Pharma, Inc. and Valeant Pharmaceuticals and; serves on the Data Safety Monitoring Board for King Pharmaceuticals.

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and MedLogix Communications, LLC. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Valeant Pharmaceuticals.