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Epilepsy surgery does not harm motor performance of children and adolescents

R van Empelen1, A Jennekens-Schinkel, J W Gorter

  • 1Department of Paediatric Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiology, University Medical Centre, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands. R.vanEmpelen@wkz.azu.nl.

Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|April 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Epilepsy surgery significantly reduces seizures in children. Motor performance and daily activities show improvement, particularly in those with spasticity, indicating surgery is safe for motor function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pharmacologically intractable epilepsy affects children's motor skills and daily life.
  • Spasticity of cerebral origin complicates epilepsy management and functional outcomes.
  • Assessing the dual impact of epilepsy surgery on seizure control and motor function is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of epilepsy surgery on motor performance in children with and without spasticity.
  • To assess the impact of surgery on activities of daily life (ADL) and caregiver assistance.
  • To determine if epilepsy surgery negatively affects motor function in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 37 children undergoing epilepsy surgery (1996-2001).
  • Utilized Engel's classification for seizure outcome, M-ABC and GMFM-88 for motor function, and PEDI for ADL and caregiver assistance.
  • Follow-up assessments conducted at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-surgery.

Main Results:

  • 74% of children achieved Engel class 1 seizure outcome 24 months post-surgery.
  • Statistically significant improvements in motor performance scores (M-ABC, GMFM) were observed (P < 0.05).
  • Children with spasticity showed significant improvements in ADL and caregiver assistance (PEDI) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Epilepsy surgery is effective in reducing seizures in children.
  • Surgery does not adversely affect motor performance in children with or without spasticity.
  • Functional gains in daily activities and caregiver support are notable, especially in children with spasticity.

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