Febrile seizures in children are most commonly characterized by which of the following?

• A. Lasting less than 15 minutes
• B. Usually focal
• C. Associated with CNS infection
• D. Occur only after age 5

Answer: (A)

Febrile seizures in children are most often brief, generalized convulsions that occur with fever. The duration is the defining feature: the vast majority last less than 15 minutes. This short, simple form—brief, generalized, typically occurring once per fever episode in children aged roughly 6 months to 5 years—distinguishes it from complex febrile seizures, which can last longer, be focal, or recur within 24 hours. While fever is the trigger, these seizures are not caused by an underlying CNS infection; however, any red flags (like signs of meningitis or atypical presentation) should prompt appropriate evaluation. They do not occur predominantly after age 5, and they are not usually focal.