Abstract

Investigations were made of 78 febrile children, 53 with fits and 25 without fits. 53% of the children with fits had viral illnesses. Severe fits were commoner in these children than in those with negative viral findings. Permanent neurological damage and prolonged EEG abnormalities were found significantly more often in children with, than in those without, viral disease, whether or not fits had occurred. The long-term implications are discussed. In addition to viral agents already described as causing neurological complications, the following organisms were found in association with central nervous system disorder: adenovirus 7, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza 2, and C. burnetii (Q fever).