In contrast to a complex febrile seizure, a simple febrile seizure:

In contrast to a complex febrile seizure, a simple febrile seizure:

• A. Lasts more than 30 minutes
• B. Occurs in children with underlying neurologic abnormalities
• C. Lasts less than 15 minutes and occurs in children without underlying neurologic abnormalities
• D. Is always associated with meningitis

Answer: (C)

Simple febrile seizures are brief, generalized events that occur in otherwise healthy children during a fever. The defining feature is that the seizure lasts less than 15 minutes and does not recur within 24 hours, with no underlying neurologic abnormalities. This contrasts with complex febrile seizures, which can last longer than 15 minutes, have focal features, or occur more than once within 24 hours, and may be seen in children with preexisting neurologic issues. Therefore, the description of a seizure lasting less than 15 minutes in a child without neurological problems best fits a simple febrile seizure. A seizure lasting over 30 minutes, or occurring in a child with neurologic abnormalities, or being always linked to meningitis, does not describe a simple febrile seizure.

Simple febrile seizures are brief, generalized events that occur in otherwise healthy children during a fever. The defining feature is that the seizure lasts less than 15 minutes and does not recur within 24 hours, with no underlying neurologic abnormalities. This contrasts with complex febrile seizures, which can last longer than 15 minutes, have focal features, or occur more than once within 24 hours, and may be seen in children with preexisting neurologic issues. Therefore, the description of a seizure lasting less than 15 minutes in a child without neurological problems best fits a simple febrile seizure. A seizure lasting over 30 minutes, or occurring in a child with neurologic abnormalities, or being always linked to meningitis, does not describe a simple febrile seizure.