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[Hidden motor dysfunctions in children with epilepsy]
G Gløersen1, T Løyning, K O Nakken
1Statens senter for epilepsi, Sandvika.
Summary
Many children with epilepsy experience motor difficulties, impacting their daily lives. Early motor function assessment and sensory motor stimulation are recommended for comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Neuroscience
Context:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
- Clinical observations suggest a high prevalence of motor deficits in children with epilepsy.
- The relationship between epilepsy and motor dysfunction requires further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of motor difficulties in children with epilepsy.
- To assess motor performance using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (ABC) test.
- To identify factors associated with motor impairments in this population.
Summary:
- Over half of the children with epilepsy (excluding those with intellectual disability or cerebral palsy) exhibited motor difficulties.
- Motor impairments were more common in children with MRI-detectable brain lesions and symptomatic localisation-related epilepsy.
- Seizure frequency, epilepsy type, antiepileptic drug regimens, and gender did not significantly correlate with motor performance.
Impact:
- Motor dysfunctions in children with epilepsy can be subtle and overlooked.
- These hidden deficits can negatively affect children's academic and social functioning.
- Routine motor function screening and targeted interventions like sensory motor stimulation are crucial for holistic pediatric epilepsy care.