Baseline Cognition, Behavior, and Motor Skills in Children with New-Onset, Idiopathic Epilepsy
Saved in:
| Title: | Baseline Cognition, Behavior, and Motor Skills in Children with New-Onset, Idiopathic Epilepsy |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bhise, Vikram V., Burack, Gail D., Mandelbaum, David E. |
| Source: | Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Jan 2010 52(1):22-26. |
| Availability: | Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Physical Description: | |
| Page Count: | 5 |
| Publication Date: | 2010 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Epilepsy, Seizures, Memory, Cognitive Development, Psychomotor Skills, Child Behavior, Genetics, Measures (Individuals), Intelligence Quotient, Scores, Classification, Attention, Vocabulary, Auditory Stimuli, Learning Processes, Visual Stimuli, Cognitive Processes |
| DOI: | 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03404.x |
| ISSN: | 0012-1622 |
| Abstract: | Aim: Epilepsy is associated with difficulties in cognition and behavior in children. These problems have been attributed to genetics, ongoing seizures, psychosocial issues, underlying abnormality of the brain, and/or antiepileptic drugs. In a previous study, we found baseline cognitive differences between children with partial versus generalized and convulsive versus non-convulsive seizures. Measures in that study focused primarily on IQ scores. In the present study, we assessed baseline function with respect to new learning, attention, and memory, thus providing a more comprehensive profile than our previous study. Method: We examined 57 children (42 females, 15 males), aged 6 to 17 years (mean 10y 1mo, SD 2y 9mo), with new-onset, idiopathic epilepsy, using tests of cognitive function reflective of new learning, memory, and attention. Seizures were classified as generalized convulsive (n=5), generalized non-convulsive (n=18), or focal (n=34). Focal seizures were divided into unilateral versus bilateral independent foci, and presence versus absence of secondary generalization. Results: Attention was a particular area of weakness across all groups. The Vocabulary score of an intelligence screen was higher for the focal seizure groups (p=0.012), primarily because of a difference between the unilateral focal and the primary generalized groups (p less than 0.047). Children with generalized, non-convulsive seizures performed significantly worse than the focal group on a measure of short-term auditory memory (p=0.019). All groups performed poorly on a test of visual-motor speed. Interpretation: These findings suggest intrinsic abnormalities in children with new-onset, idiopathic epilepsy at baseline. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2010 |
| Accession Number: | EJ872185 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Aim: Epilepsy is associated with difficulties in cognition and behavior in children. These problems have been attributed to genetics, ongoing seizures, psychosocial issues, underlying abnormality of the brain, and/or antiepileptic drugs. In a previous study, we found baseline cognitive differences between children with partial versus generalized and convulsive versus non-convulsive seizures. Measures in that study focused primarily on IQ scores. In the present study, we assessed baseline function with respect to new learning, attention, and memory, thus providing a more comprehensive profile than our previous study. Method: We examined 57 children (42 females, 15 males), aged 6 to 17 years (mean 10y 1mo, SD 2y 9mo), with new-onset, idiopathic epilepsy, using tests of cognitive function reflective of new learning, memory, and attention. Seizures were classified as generalized convulsive (n=5), generalized non-convulsive (n=18), or focal (n=34). Focal seizures were divided into unilateral versus bilateral independent foci, and presence versus absence of secondary generalization. Results: Attention was a particular area of weakness across all groups. The Vocabulary score of an intelligence screen was higher for the focal seizure groups (p=0.012), primarily because of a difference between the unilateral focal and the primary generalized groups (p less than 0.047). Children with generalized, non-convulsive seizures performed significantly worse than the focal group on a measure of short-term auditory memory (p=0.019). All groups performed poorly on a test of visual-motor speed. Interpretation: These findings suggest intrinsic abnormalities in children with new-onset, idiopathic epilepsy at baseline. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0012-1622 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03404.x |
