Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature
Febrile myoclonus (FM) is a benign condition characterized by the sudden onset of generalized, multifocal, or segmental jerks during fever, without signs of central nervous system infections, resolving as the temperature elevation subsides. This condition is poorly described in literature, and its i...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Pediatrics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1653744/full |
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| author | M. Minerva L. Perilli A. Francioni F. Lotti M. R. Curcio S. Grosso |
| author_facet | M. Minerva L. Perilli A. Francioni F. Lotti M. R. Curcio S. Grosso |
| author_sort | M. Minerva |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Febrile myoclonus (FM) is a benign condition characterized by the sudden onset of generalized, multifocal, or segmental jerks during fever, without signs of central nervous system infections, resolving as the temperature elevation subsides. This condition is poorly described in literature, and its incidence is not well identified. We present the case of a 1-year-old child who developed myoclonic jerks during a febrile episode, diagnosed with FM. The child exhibited a normal neurological examination and neuromotor development appropriate for age. The electroencephalogram (EEG) showed no epileptiform discharges during the events, and past medical or familiar history was negative for epilepsy or any other neurological condition. We conducted a narrative review of the current literature to improve understanding of this benign clinical manifestation. Additionally, we included audio and video material to aid physicians in recognizing the condition, avoiding unnecessary diagnostic procedures and overtreatment with antiseizure medications. Our goal is to increase awareness of this rare phenomenon and expand its phenotypical spectrum. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c00a265dc3664c38bab767ad5463e13f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-2360 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Pediatrics |
| spelling | doaj-art-c00a265dc3664c38bab767ad5463e13f2025-08-26T05:28:13ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pediatrics2296-23602025-08-011310.3389/fped.2025.16537441653744Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literatureM. MinervaL. PerilliA. FrancioniF. LottiM. R. CurcioS. GrossoFebrile myoclonus (FM) is a benign condition characterized by the sudden onset of generalized, multifocal, or segmental jerks during fever, without signs of central nervous system infections, resolving as the temperature elevation subsides. This condition is poorly described in literature, and its incidence is not well identified. We present the case of a 1-year-old child who developed myoclonic jerks during a febrile episode, diagnosed with FM. The child exhibited a normal neurological examination and neuromotor development appropriate for age. The electroencephalogram (EEG) showed no epileptiform discharges during the events, and past medical or familiar history was negative for epilepsy or any other neurological condition. We conducted a narrative review of the current literature to improve understanding of this benign clinical manifestation. Additionally, we included audio and video material to aid physicians in recognizing the condition, avoiding unnecessary diagnostic procedures and overtreatment with antiseizure medications. Our goal is to increase awareness of this rare phenomenon and expand its phenotypical spectrum.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1653744/fullfebrile myoclonusmovement disorderEEGinfant—agepediatric neurology and psychiatry |
| spellingShingle | M. Minerva L. Perilli A. Francioni F. Lotti M. R. Curcio S. Grosso Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature Frontiers in Pediatrics febrile myoclonus movement disorder EEG infant—age pediatric neurology and psychiatry |
| title | Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature |
| title_full | Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature |
| title_fullStr | Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature |
| title_full_unstemmed | Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature |
| title_short | Recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus: a video-documented case report and review of the current literature |
| title_sort | recognizing pediatric febrile myoclonus a video documented case report and review of the current literature |
| topic | febrile myoclonus movement disorder EEG infant—age pediatric neurology and psychiatry |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1653744/full |
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