What is the most common cause of seizures in pediatrics?

The most common cause of seizures in pediatric patients is fever, specifically a type called febrile seizures. These seizures typically occur in young children who are experiencing a rapid increase in body temperature due to illnesses, most often viral infections. Febrile seizures generally happen in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and are typically benign, meaning they usually do not have lasting effects.

In addition to fever, while other factors such as trauma, electrolyte imbalances, and neurological disorders can lead to seizures, they are less common in the pediatric population compared to fever-associated seizures. Trauma might lead to seizures as a result of a head injury, and electrolyte imbalances can occur for a variety of medical reasons, but they are not as prevalent as febrile seizures in children. Neurological disorders can certainly cause seizures, but these conditions often have distinct presentations and may not be the primary cause in the broader population of pediatric patients experiencing seizures. Therefore, fever stands out as the most frequent trigger for seizures in children.