Cognitive side effects of antiepileptic drugs in children
David W Loring1, Kimford J Meador
1Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. dw17@georgetown.edu
Abstract:
Cognitive impairment associated with antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in children is an important concern given the potential negative effects of treatment on school learning and performance. Unfortunately, there have been few studies examining the cognitive effects of AEDs in this population and no adequate studies of newer AEDs. This article will discuss the effects of the traditional and newer AEDs on neuropsychological function in children. Because of various limitations in the designs of these studies, however, many of the studies report inconclusive findings. Although it will be necessary to overcome many programmatic and procedural hurdles, well-designed randomized prospective studies that are of adequate length to determine how AEDs ultimately relate to school performance and social adjustment are needed to firmly establish the cognitive and behavioral effects of AEDs in children.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...


