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"I can't remember": memory deficits in children with epilepsy

Mary Lou Smith1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Le Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques
|September 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Children with intractable epilepsy often experience memory deficits, impacting their daily lives. This review examines the causes and effects of these memory impairments in pediatric epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Limited research exists on memory in children with epilepsy compared to adults.
  • Childhood memory development is crucial for future academic and personal success.
  • Intractable epilepsy in children presents unique challenges to cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing evidence on memory deficits in children with intractable epilepsy.
  • To describe the nature and functional impact of these memory impairments.
  • To present contributing factors including neural, seizure-related, and treatment aspects.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric epilepsy and memory.
  • Synthesis of findings on memory deficits, their characteristics, and daily life impact.
  • Analysis of evidence linking neural, seizure, and treatment factors to memory impairments.

Main Results:

  • Children with intractable epilepsy exhibit significant memory deficits.
  • These deficits can negatively affect daily functioning and learning.
  • Neural, seizure activity, and medication side effects are implicated factors.

Conclusions:

  • Memory impairments are a significant concern in pediatric intractable epilepsy.
  • Understanding contributing factors is key to developing interventions.
  • Further research is needed to address memory deficits in this population.

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