Which age group is most susceptible to febrile seizures?

The age group most susceptible to febrile seizures is infants and toddlers. This susceptibility can be attributed to several factors related to the developing brain and immune system in younger children. During this stage of development, the neurological system is still maturing, which makes young children more likely to experience seizures when faced with fever. Typically, febrile seizures occur in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years, peaking around 12 to 18 months.

The physiological response to fever, along with the immaturity of the central nervous system in this age group, creates an environment where seizures can occur. While newborns can also experience seizures, these are often related to metabolic issues rather than febrile triggers. With school-aged children and adolescents, the incidence of febrile seizures decreases significantly, as their neurological systems are more developed and capable of better handling fever-induced stress.