Understanding Febrile Seizure (F) diagnosis, including Febrile Convulsion and Fever Seizure. This resource provides information on clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices related to Febrile Seizures for accurate diagnosis and patient care. Learn about appropriate ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT terminology, and differential diagnosis considerations for Febrile Seizures in children. Explore evidence-based guidelines for managing and documenting Febrile Convulsions in a clinical setting.
Also known as
Febrile convulsions
Seizures caused by a high fever, typically in children.
Other convulsions
Convulsions not otherwise specified, including atypical febrile seizures.
Epilepsy and recurrent seizures
While not the primary code, relevant for recurrent febrile seizures.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Age of patient?
6 months to <6 years
First seizure?
< 6 months or 6 years and older
Do NOT code as febrile seizure. Investigate and code underlying cause of seizure.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Seizure caused by a fever in children. |
| Seizure without fever. |
| Infection of brain/spinal cord. |
Inaccurate age documentation can lead to incorrect coding as febrile seizures are age-specific (typically 6 months to 5 years).
Failure to code the underlying infection or illness causing the fever can lead to underpayment and inaccurate clinical picture.
Differentiating febrile seizures from epilepsy is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate long-term management.
Q: How can I differentiate between a simple febrile seizure and a complex febrile seizure in a pediatric patient during a clinical encounter?
A: Differentiating between simple and complex febrile seizures is crucial for appropriate management. A simple febrile seizure is typically generalized, lasting less than 15 minutes, and occurs only once within a 24-hour period. Conversely, a complex febrile seizure exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: duration of 15 minutes or longer, focal features (affecting only one part of the body), or recurrence within 24 hours. Accurate classification relies on thorough history taking from caregivers, including details about the seizure semiology, duration, and any prior episodes. A careful neurological examination should follow to assess for any underlying neurological abnormalities. Consider implementing a standardized seizure documentation tool in your practice to ensure consistent and detailed recording of these crucial clinical features. Explore how standardized documentation can improve clinical outcomes and facilitate research in febrile seizure management.
Q: What are the evidence-based guidelines for evaluating a child after their first febrile seizure, specifically regarding the need for lumbar puncture (LP), EEG, and neuroimaging?
A: Current guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics generally recommend against routine lumbar puncture (LP), EEG, and neuroimaging after a first simple febrile seizure in children aged 6 months to 5 years with a normal neurological exam and no signs of meningitis or encephalitis. However, LP is indicated if there are meningeal signs, and neuroimaging (preferably MRI) should be considered if there are focal neurological deficits, prolonged altered mental status, or a complex febrile seizure. EEG is generally not recommended after a first simple febrile seizure unless there are concerns about an underlying epilepsy syndrome. Learn more about the specific indications and contraindications for these diagnostic procedures in the context of febrile seizures to ensure appropriate and cost-effective clinical decision-making.
Patient presents with a febrile seizure, also known as a febrile convulsion or fever seizure. Onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity occurred during a period of elevated temperature (documented as 39.5 degrees Celsius). The patient, a [age]-year-old [male/female], experienced a single seizure episode lasting approximately [duration] seconds. Prior to the seizure, the patient exhibited symptoms consistent with a viral upper respiratory infection, including rhinorrhea, cough, and irritability. No prior history of seizures, neurological disorders, or developmental delays. Family history is negative for epilepsy. Postictal period characterized by drowsiness and mild confusion, resolving within one hour. Neurological examination following the seizure was normal. Vital signs stabilized with antipyretics administered for fever management. Differential diagnosis considered included epilepsy, meningitis, and electrolyte imbalances. Based on clinical presentation and history, the diagnosis of simple febrile seizure is most likely. Patient education provided regarding febrile seizure management, recurrence risk, and when to seek emergency medical care. Discharge instructions reviewed with caregivers emphasizing fever control and close monitoring. ICD-10 code R56.01 (Febrile convulsions, simple) assigned. Follow-up with primary care physician recommended.