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This article is the second of two examining the causes of increased intracranial pressure in children. Key features and management associated with brain tumours and intracranial bleeds are highlighted. The conditions are accompanied by illustrative case studies to give an idea of what children's nurses may encounter in a patient presenting with raised intracranial pressure. Part one, published in December 2013, focused on the signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure and meningitis.

Intracranial pathologies in children need urgent identification and management. This article is presented in two parts, with part one describing intracranial pressure and outlining the features and management of meningitis. Part two, to be published in February 2014, outlines the features and management of brain tumours and intracranial bleeds. Each condition is accompanied by an illustrative case study to give an idea of what nurses might encounter in a child presenting with raised intracranial pressure.

Febrile convulsion is common in young children and occurs in 3-4% of children aged under six years of age. This is the most common seizure disorder and it is not epilepsy. It occurs generally with high temperatures and recurs in one third of children during a subsequent febrile illness. These episodes can be extremely frightening for parents and lot of reassurance needs to be provided by health professionals after an episode. Most often the episodes are short lived and self-terminating and long-term anticonvulsant medicines are not required. The prognosis is generally good and affected children do not suffer any long-term health problems. Community practitioners can provide education, support and counselling to help families return to normality after an event.