At what age range do febrile seizures typically occur in children?

Febrile seizures are generally associated with elevated body temperatures in young children, most commonly occurring between the ages of 3 months and 6 years. This age range is critical as it captures the developmental stage where fever is more likely to provoke seizures due to the still-developing nervous systems of younger children. In particular, febrile seizures tend to happen in response to viral illnesses that cause fever, which are common during this developmental period.

Understanding that febrile seizures are linked to high fevers helps clarify the age specification; children younger than 3 months usually have a different seizure risk profile, while those over 6 years typically have a lower incidence of febrile seizures, as their neurological development has progressed and they are less susceptible to fever-induced seizures. Thus, the range of 3 months to 6 years most accurately defines when febrile seizures are likely to occur in the pediatric population.

This age specificity is essential for recognizing and managing febrile seizures in young children and can assist caregivers and healthcare providers in determining when to seek further evaluation or treatment.