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A prospective WISC-R study in children with epilepsy.
A Funakoshi1, T Morikawa, R Muramatsu
1National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Higashi Hospital.
The Japanese Journal of Psychiatry and Neurology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Antiepileptic drugs and recurrent seizures negatively impact cognitive function in children with epilepsy, particularly affecting verbal skills. Intelligence scores may decline even with stable medication and seizure frequency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Epilepsy affects children's cognitive development.
- The impact of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and seizures on intelligence requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of AEDs and epilepsy on cognitive function in children using WISC-R testing.
- To identify specific cognitive domains most affected by epilepsy and its treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective intraindividual study design.
- Utilized Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) in 45 children with epilepsy.
- Analyzed WISC-R scores in relation to AEDs, seizure frequency, and underlying pathology.
Main Results:
- Phenobarbital and other AEDs showed detrimental effects on WISC-R scores.
- Vocabulary subtests were sensitive indicators of cognitive change (improvement or deterioration).
- Stable medication and seizure frequency still correlated with decreased Verbal IQ (VIQ) and Performance IQ (PIQ).
Conclusions:
- Recurrent seizures or suboptimal AEDs can impair intellectual function in children with epilepsy.
- Underlying cerebral pathology may contribute to progressive intellectual deterioration in epilepsy.
- Cognitive monitoring is crucial for children with epilepsy undergoing treatment.