Question
Can pediatric epilepsy lead to intellectual disability? My son recently had a recurrence of epilepsy due to a low fever, with his body stiffening and facial twitching, looking very painful. He is very intelligent, and now we are worried that epilepsy might make him become intellectually disabled.
Answer
Epilepsy in children is common, and of course, the damage caused by epilepsy in children is significant because their worldview is not fully developed and their awareness of epilepsy is insufficient, making them more susceptible to its harm. Therefore, parents should be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if epilepsy recurs. It is crucial not to misdiagnose or delay treatment. If epilepsy occurs, it is recommended that patients seek medical treatment at a hospital as soon as possible. The earlier epilepsy is treated, the better the outcome, as with any disease. Delaying diagnosis can lead to brain tissue damage, especially during a major seizure. Nearly every recurrence can cause brain cell damage, and over time, it may lead to intellectual disability in individuals with epilepsy.