Febrile seizures (FS) are convulsions characterized by a body temperature of 38.5℃ or higher, without central nervous system infection or other epileptic causes, affecting 2% to 14% of the global population and being a common neurological disorder in childhood. The occurrence of FS is age dependent, most prevalent in children aged 6 months to 5 years. The pathogenesis of FS remains unclear, although it is known that various factors can induce FS, including abnormal body temperature, age and brain maturity, genetic factors, and infections. Moreover, other factors can predispose to the development of FS. Current treatment of FS primarily involves antiepileptic drugs. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanisms of FS, with a focus on the research progress of FS etiology and treatment.