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Impaired language performance as a precursor or consequence of Rolandic epilepsy?
G M Overvliet1, A P Aldenkamp, S Klinkenberg
1Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands. geke_overvliet@hotmail.com
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 8, 2011
Summary
Language impairment is common in children with Rolandic epilepsy, with some cases potentially preceding seizure onset. This suggests a complex relationship possibly linked to underlying syndromes or epileptogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Rolandic epilepsy is frequently associated with language impairment in children.
- The temporal relationship between language impairment and seizure onset in Rolandic epilepsy remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of language impairment in children with Rolandic epilepsy.
- To explore whether language impairment precedes or follows the onset of Rolandic epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 48 children diagnosed with Rolandic epilepsy.
- Assessment included screening for past and current language impairments and evaluation of reading skills.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of children with Rolandic epilepsy received speech therapy (23%) or repeated a school year (35%).
- Children with Rolandic epilepsy demonstrated lower scores on reading tasks compared to the general population.
Conclusions:
- Language impairment is a notable characteristic of Rolandic epilepsy in children.
- The findings suggest that language impairment may precede epilepsy in some cases, indicating potential shared underlying causes or developmental processes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate whether language impairment is a precursor, a consequence, or a co-occurring symptom of an underlying condition in Rolandic epilepsy.
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