Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Study of attentional processes in children with idiopathic epilepsy by Conners' Continuous Performance Test
Renato Borgatti1, Paolo Piccinelli, Rosario Montirosso
1Department of Child Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy. borgatti@bp.lnf.it
Insights
Attention disorders are common in children with epilepsy. A study found that these attention deficits increased over one year, even with seizure control, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting children.
- Attention deficits are a potential comorbidity in pediatric epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate attention performance in children with idiopathic epilepsy before and after one year of antiepilepsy therapy.
- To identify factors influencing attention deficits in this population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 19 children with idiopathic epilepsy.
- Neurological examination, clinical interview, electroencephalography (EEG), and Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were used.
- Data collected at baseline (T1) and after 1 year (T2).
Main Results:
- 21% of children exhibited attention disorders at T1, rising to 42% at T2, despite seizure control.
- Attention deficits correlated with seizure duration (>6 months), persistent EEG abnormalities, and emotional/behavioral disorders at diagnosis.
- Conners' CPT demonstrated utility in diagnosing and monitoring attention issues.
Conclusions:
- Attention disorders are prevalent in children with idiopathic epilepsy and can worsen over time.
- Prognosis for attention is linked to seizure activity, EEG findings, and co-occurring behavioral issues.
- Conners' CPT is a valuable tool for assessing and tracking attention in pediatric epilepsy.
Abstract:
Before starting antiepilepsy therapy (T1) and after 1 year (T2), 19 children (7 female) affected by focal or generalized idiopathic epilepsy were considered with the aim of studying attention performance. All of the children received a neurological examination and clinical interview, electroencephalography (EEG) in wakefulness or sleep, and a standardized computerized measure of attention (Conners' Continuous Performance Test). At T1, 21% of the patients showed a specific attention disorder, and their percentage rose to 42% after 1 year, despite complete control of seizures. The prognosis was strongly correlated with (1) the presence of active seizures for a period of over 6 months, (2) the persistence of specific interictal abnormalities on an electroencephalogram at T2, and (3) the presence of emotional and behavioral disorders at the diagnosis of epilepsy. Our results confirm that attention disorders are frequent in children with idiopathic epilepsy. The Conners' Continuous Performance Test has proven useful both for diagnosis and follow-up over time.
