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The course of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in children with new onset seizures

Jane Williams1, Bernadette Lange, Tonya Phillips

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 800 Marshall Street, 72202, Little Rock, AK, USA

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|March 1, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Newly diagnosed epilepsy in children often presents with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. These symptoms may decrease over time, especially in children with normal MRIs, highlighting the need for monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychology
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
  • Attention and behavioral problems are frequently observed in children with epilepsy.
  • The course and associated factors of these symptoms require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in newly diagnosed pediatric epilepsy.
  • To explore the longitudinal course of these symptoms after seizure control.
  • To identify factors associated with changes in symptom presentation.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 42 children with newly diagnosed epilepsy was recruited.
  • The Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale-Home Version (ADDES-HV) was administered at diagnosis and after seizure control.
  • Factors such as MRI results were analyzed in relation to symptom changes.

Main Results:

  • At diagnosis, 31% of children exhibited clinically significant inattention and 31% hyperactivity-impulsivity.
  • At follow-up, symptom prevalence decreased to 27% for inattention and 24% for hyperactivity-impulsivity.
  • Children with normal MRI findings were more likely to show reduced hyperactive-impulsive behaviors post-seizure control.

Conclusions:

  • Inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are prevalent in children with new-onset epilepsy.
  • Seizure control may lead to a reduction in these behavioral symptoms.
  • Regular assessment and monitoring of attention and behavior are crucial for children with epilepsy, with MRI findings potentially indicating prognosis.

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