Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
09:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

3.5K

Cognitive development in children with new onset epilepsy

Paul J Rathouz1, Qianqian Zhao, Jana E Jones

  • 1Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|March 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cognitive deficits in children with epilepsy are present at diagnosis and remain stable, not worsening over time. Early intervention is crucial for these children who show developmental lags compared to peers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
  • Cognitive development in pediatric epilepsy is a significant concern.
  • Longitudinal data on cognitive trajectories in pediatric epilepsy are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To track cognitive development in children with new or recent onset epilepsy.
  • To compare cognitive trajectories between epilepsy subtypes and typical development.
  • To determine if cognitive deficits in pediatric epilepsy worsen, improve, or remain stable over 5-6 years.

Main Methods:

  • Neuropsychological assessments were conducted on 69 children with epilepsy (aged 8-18) at diagnosis, 2 years, and 5-6 years post-diagnosis.
  • A comparison group of 62 typically developing children was assessed at each time point.
  • Cognitive domains evaluated included intelligence, academic achievement, language, executive function, and psychomotor speed.
  • Data were analyzed using mixed-effects regression models, stratified by epilepsy syndrome (localization-related epilepsy [LRE] and idiopathic generalized epilepsy [IGE]).

Main Results:

  • Cognitive abnormalities in arithmetic, response inhibition, attention, fine motor dexterity, and psychomotor speed were evident at diagnosis (p < 0.001).
  • These deficits remained largely stable over the 5-6 year follow-up period, with no significant worsening or recovery.
  • Children with LRE generally performed better than those with IGE on specific measures (arithmetic, response inhibition, psychomotor speed).

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive development in children with LRE and IGE does not show progressive decline but rather a persistent lag compared to typically developing children.
  • Identified cognitive abnormalities are present early and persist over time.
  • Early detection and intervention are essential for managing cognitive deficits in pediatric epilepsy.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice13:34

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

7.7K
Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex09:00

Investigating the Function of Deep Cortical and Subcortical Structures Using Stereotactic Electroencephalography: Lessons from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Published on: April 15, 2015

12.1K

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
1.7K
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
47
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
42
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
2.5K
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
36
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
2.7K