[Effects of temporal lobe epilepsy and idiopathic epilepsy on cognitive function and emotion in children]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Neuropsychology

Background:

• Epilepsy in children can significantly impact cognitive and emotional well-being.
• Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and idiopathic epilepsy (IE) are common forms affecting pediatric populations.
• Understanding the specific cognitive and emotional deficits and their risk factors is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of TLE and IE on cognitive function and emotion in children.
• To identify risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in these pediatric epilepsy groups.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 38 children with TLE, 40 with IE, and 42 healthy controls.
• Neuropsychological assessments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), verbal fluency, digit span, block design, Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC), and Depression Self-rating Scale for Children (DSRSC).

Main Results:

• Both TLE and IE groups exhibited significantly lower scores in cognitive tests (MoCA, verbal fluency, digit span, block design) compared to controls.
• TLE and IE groups showed significantly higher scores on anxiety (SASC) and depression (DSRSC) scales.
• Cognitive function was more impaired and emotional distress more pronounced in the TLE group compared to the IE group.
• In both epilepsy groups, MoCA scores were negatively correlated with SASC, DSRSC scores, and seizure frequency.

Conclusions:

• Children with TLE and IE experience deficits in overall cognition, verbal fluency, memory, and executive function, alongside increased anxiety and depression.
• These cognitive and emotional impairments are more severe in children with TLE.
• Elevated anxiety, depression, and increased seizure frequency are identified as significant risk factors for cognitive impairment in pediatric epilepsy.