User:Mr. Ibrahem/Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome

Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is onset of severe seizures (status epilepticus) following a febrile illness in someone who was previously healthy. The seizures may initially be focal; however, often become tonic-clonic. Complications often include intellectual disability, behavioral problems, and ongoing seizures.

The underlying cause is unclear. Often there is an upper respiratory tract or gastroenteritis one day to two weeks before onset. Diagnosis involves extensive testing to rule out other possible causes. It is a type of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE).

The seizures are often resistant to treatment. High doses of benzodiazepines or barbiturates are often used, with care taking place in the intensive care unit. A ketogenic diet may help in some cases. The medications anakinra or tocilizumab have been tried. The risk of death, despite treatment is about 12%.

The condition newly affects about one in a million children per year. Onset is generally in children between the ages of 2 and 17. Males appear to be more commonly affected than females. Cases consistent with the condition were first described in 1961, with the current name coming into use in 2010.