Complex febrile convulsions

This code signifies a febrile seizure that exhibits atypical features, such as prolonged duration (over 15 minutes), focal characteristics, or recurrence within 24 hours. It represents a seizure event occurring in the context of a fever, without evidence of intracranial infection or other defined cause.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a febrile seizure with complex features, such as a seizure lasting longer than 15 minutes, involving only one side of the body, or multiple febrile seizures within a 24-hour period. Ensure the medical record clearly distinguishes it from a simple febrile seizure.

• Differentiate carefully from simple febrile convulsions, which are typically generalized, brief, and non-recurrent within 24 hours.
• Confirm the absence of an underlying central nervous system infection or other metabolic derangement.
• Do not code with status epilepticus (G40.901) as per the Excludes1 note, even if the complex febrile seizure is prolonged.