Understanding Febrile Convulsion (Febrile Seizure) diagnosis? This resource provides information on Fever-induced Convulsion clinical documentation and medical coding for healthcare professionals. Learn about Febrile Seizure diagnosis, appropriate ICD-10 codes, and best practices for accurate and complete medical records related to Febrile Convulsion.
Also known as
Febrile convulsions
Seizures caused by a high fever, typically in young children.
Other convulsions
Convulsions not otherwise specified, excluding febrile.
Other abnormal involuntary movements
Includes various abnormal movements like tremors or spasms.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Age < 6 years?
Yes
First febrile convulsion?
No
Febrile convulsion with other neurological issue?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Seizure with fever, usually in children 6 months to 5 years. |
| Seizure caused by a brain infection. |
| Seizure due to epilepsy, not related to fever. |
Coding febrile convulsions requires accurate age documentation, crucial for proper ICD-10-CM code selection (R56.0x) and avoiding unspecified codes.
Documenting the underlying fever source is critical. Miscoding or omitting the infection diagnosis impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Accurately distinguishing febrile convulsions from epilepsy (G40.x) is essential for correct coding, treatment, and long-term management.
Q: How can I differentiate a simple febrile convulsion from a complex febrile convulsion in a pediatric patient, and what are the key management differences?
A: Differentiating between simple and complex febrile convulsions is crucial for appropriate management. Simple febrile convulsions are typically generalized, lasting less than 15 minutes, and occur only once within a 24-hour period. Complex febrile convulsions, however, are focal or prolonged (lasting 15 minutes or longer), or recur within 24 hours. Management of simple febrile convulsions primarily focuses on reassurance of parents, education about fever management, and identifying the underlying infection causing the fever. Complex febrile convulsions warrant a more thorough evaluation, including possible EEG and neuroimaging, to rule out underlying neurological disorders. Consider implementing a standardized assessment protocol in your practice to ensure consistent and accurate differentiation. Explore how S10.AI can assist in documenting and tracking febrile convulsion characteristics for improved patient care.
Q: What are the current evidence-based guidelines for lumbar puncture in a child presenting with a first-time febrile convulsion, and when is it absolutely indicated?
A: Lumbar puncture (LP) in a child with a first-time febrile convulsion is generally not recommended unless there are signs of meningitis such as meningeal irritation, altered mental status, or if the child is less than 12 months old and received antibiotics prior to presentation which could mask the signs of meningitis. Current guidelines advise against routine LP in children between 12 and 18 months with a simple febrile seizure, especially if they have received an appropriate age-specific pneumococcal vaccine and have a normal neurological exam. However, clinical judgement is paramount, and an LP is absolutely indicated if there is any suspicion of meningitis or other central nervous system infection. Learn more about the latest consensus guidelines on febrile convulsion management and consider implementing a decision support tool to help guide LP decisions in your clinical practice.
Patient presents with a febrile convulsion, also known as a febrile seizure or fever-induced convulsion. Onset of seizure activity coincided with a rapid rise in temperature documented at (temperature value). The convulsion was (generalizedtonic-clonic OR focal) in nature and lasted approximately (duration). Postictal period was characterized by (drowsiness, confusion, etc.) lasting (duration). Patient's age is (age) and medical history is significant for (relevant medical history, e.g., prior febrile seizures, epilepsy, developmental delay). Family history is notable for (relevant family history, e.g., febrile seizures, epilepsy). Physical examination reveals (relevant physical findings, e.g., normal neurological exam, current febrile illness signs and symptoms). Differential diagnosis includes epilepsy, intracranial infection, metabolic disorders, and drug toxicity. Workup included (e.g., CBC, blood glucose, lumbar puncture if indicated, EEG if indicated). Results were (results of workup). Diagnosis of simple febrile convulsion is made based on clinical presentation, age, and absence of concerning findings. Patient education provided regarding febrile seizure management, including antipyretics for fever control and reassurance regarding the generally benign nature of simple febrile convulsions. Instructions given to return for any further seizures, prolonged altered mental status, or persistent fever. ICD-10 code F51.0 is assigned. Follow-up as needed.