Baseline cognition, behavior, and motor skills in children with new‐onset, idiopathic epilepsy

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03404.x
• Publication Date: 2009-08-21T09:06:40Z
• Authors: VIKRAM V BHISE; GAIL D BURACK; DAVID E MANDELBAUM
• Keywords: Generalized epilepsy; Idiopathic generalized epilepsy; Abnormality

Epilepsy is associated with difficulties in cognition and behavior 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 partial versus generalized convulsive non-convulsive seizures. Measures that study focused primarily on IQ scores. present assessed function respect new learning, attention, memory, thus providing more comprehensive profile than our study.We examined 57 (42 females, 15 males), aged 6 17 years (mean 10y 1mo, SD 2y 9mo), new-onset, idiopathic epilepsy, using tests reflective attention. Seizures were classified as (n=5), (n=18), or focal (n=34). Focal seizures divided into unilateral bilateral independent foci, presence absence secondary generalization.Attention was particular area weakness across all groups. The Vocabulary score an intelligence screen higher for seizure groups (p=0.012), because difference primary (p<0.047). Children generalized, performed significantly worse group measure short-term auditory memory (p=0.019). All poorly test visual-motor speed.These findings suggest intrinsic abnormalities epilepsy at baseline.