Cognitive outcomes of febrile status epilepticus

This chapter examines the current literature on cognitive findings in children with febrile status epilepticus, or prolonged febrile seizures. Whereas simple febrile seizures have been shown to be benign, cognitive outcomes in children with febrile status epilepticus are mixed. Across studies, children with febrile status epilepticus demonstrate normatively average intellectual functioning and average cognitive abilities across domains, but there is some evidence of relative weaknesses compared to controls. Furthermore, a subset of children with febrile status epilepticus evidence deficits in aspects of memory, attention, and executive functioning, all prior to the onset of epilepsy. Outcomes within each cognitive domain are reviewed.