In most children, febrile seizures are characterized by:

Febrile seizures in children are typically marked by generalized tonic-clonic activity. This means that the seizure involves the whole body, characterized by stiffening (tonic) followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic) movements. This type of seizure is a result of a rapid increase in body temperature, often due to an infection, and it generally occurs in children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Generalized tonic-clonic activity is significant because it indicates a widespread electrical discharge in the brain, which is characteristic of this type of seizure. Most febrile seizures do not last long, and while they can certainly be distressing to witness, they usually resolve on their own. This characteristic makes it easier for caregivers to recognize that it is a febrile seizure rather than another seizure type that may present with different symptoms, such as localized twitching or confusion.

Furthermore, the postictal phase, which refers to the recovery period after a seizure, is generally short for febrile seizures compared to seizures from other causes. Therefore, this aligns well with the understanding that generalized tonic-clonic activity is a common presentation of febrile seizures in children.