What are the indications for referral to a specialist for a child with recurrent febrile seizures?

Referral to a specialist for a child experiencing recurrent febrile seizures is indicated if:

• The child has neurodevelopmental delay and/or signs of a neurocutaneous syndrome or metabolic disorder, which warrants further assessment by a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist ¹.
• The child has complex febrile seizures, such as focal seizures, seizures lasting longer than 15 minutes, or multiple seizures within 24 hours, which may require specialist evaluation ¹.
• There is diagnostic uncertainty about the cause of the seizures or if the child has unexplained fever and no apparent focus of infection ¹.
• The child has features of a complex febrile seizure, such as focal neurological deficits or decreased level of consciousness prior to the seizure ¹.
• There is parental/carer anxiety and/or difficulty coping, which may necessitate specialist support and reassurance ¹.