Febrile seizures most commonly occur in children of which age range?

Febrile seizures are commonly observed in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years. This age range is significant because it encompasses the peak period for febrile seizure occurrence, which typically happens during childhood illnesses that cause fever, such as viral infections. The developmental stage of this age group often leaves children more susceptible to febrile seizures as their nervous systems are still maturing and may respond more dramatically to fever than in older children or adults.

While febrile seizures can occur outside this range, they are much less common before 6 months, as infants younger than this generally have not developed the same neurological responses to febrile episodes. Similarly, although some children may experience febrile seizures after the age of 5, the incidence tends to drop significantly, as the neurological maturation process provides increased stability against such reactions to fever. Therefore, the choice that includes this specific age range accurately captures the demographic most affected by febrile seizures.