Cognitive disorders in children with epilepsy

Czech version

Authors: S. Kolář ¹; J. Pejčochová ²; ; O. Horák ²; H. Ošlejšková ²
Authors‘ workplace: LF MU, Brno ¹; Akademické centrum pro, epileptologii a epileptochirurgii, Klinika dětské neurologie LF MU, a FN Brno ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2020; 83/116(3): 243-250
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amcsnn2020243

Overview

Children with epilepsy often suffer from cognitive disorders, which can be global or domain specific. Etiology of these deficits might be the same as the etiology of epilepsy, although antiepileptic therapy itself can be the cause of cognitive deficits which needs to be considered when choosing the right medication. Monitoring the current state of cognitive functions using neuropsychological tests is necessary for proper management of cognitive disorders. There are numerous tests available for specific age groups evaluating various domains of cognitive functions with a quick screening test option used to monitor antiepileptic therapy’s influence on cognitive deficit and dynamics of cognitive disorders. Identification of any cognitive deficit has to be followed by searching for factors that have negative effects on cognitive functions that can be influenced by proper management, such as higher seizure frequency, interictal epileptic activity, antiepileptic drug side effects and some etiological factors. Whether a child is a suitable candidate for epilepsy surgery also has to be considered.

Keywords:

Epilepsy – child – cognitive disorders – neuropsychological tests

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