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Benign rolandic epileptiform discharges are associated with mood and behavior problems
Dean P Sarco1, Katrina Boyer, Shannon M Lundy-Krigbaum
1Department of Neurology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|August 25, 2011
Summary
Children with benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) show more mood and behavioral issues linked to frequent epileptiform discharges. Higher spike activity on EEGs correlates with increased depression, aggression, and anxiety symptoms in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) is associated with higher rates of cognitive, behavioral, and affective issues in children.
- Frequent epileptiform discharges on electroencephalograms (EEGs) may negatively impact behavioral functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between EEG spike frequency index (SI) and psychosocial adjustment and executive functioning in children with BRE.
- To determine if epileptiform activity predicts behavioral problems in this population.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one school-aged children (6-12 years) with BRE participated.
- Parental ratings of psychosocial adjustment and executive functioning were collected using validated questionnaires.
- EEG spike frequency index (SI) was calculated for wakefulness and sleep, and correlated with behavioral variables.
Main Results:
- Higher awake and sleep SIs correlated with increased symptoms of depression, aggression, and conduct problems.
- Higher sleep SI was associated with executive dysfunction and anxiety.
- No correlation was found between SI and symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention.
Conclusions:
- Increased epileptiform activity in children with BRE may predict a higher incidence of mood and behavioral problems.
- EEG spike frequency is a potential biomarker for behavioral and affective difficulties in pediatric epilepsy.
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