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Neurocognitive and behavioural profile in Panayiotopoulos syndrome
Eric L A Fonseca Wald1,2,3, Mariette H J A Debeij-Van Hall2, Eline De Jong2
1Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Insights
Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome often experience cognitive deficits and internalizing behavioral problems. Early identification and support are crucial for managing these neurodevelopmental challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Panayiotopoulos syndrome is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome.
- Neurocognitive and behavioral aspects require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess neurocognitive performance in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
- To identify behavioral problems in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 children diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
- Neuropsychological, behavioral, and academic assessments were performed.
- 24-hour electroencephalogram (EEG) was utilized.
Main Results:
- Full-scale IQ and performance IQ were within the normal range but lower than normative means.
- Significant deficits were observed in simple reaction times, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory.
- Children showed delays in arithmetic and reading speed, and higher scores for internalizing behavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome exhibit diffuse cognitive dysfunction and a high incidence of internalizing behavioral issues.
- Neuropsychological and behavioral comorbidities are suggested in this syndrome.
- Over half of the children experienced academic underachievement, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Aim:
To determine neurocognitive performance and behavioural problems in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
Method:
All 18 children (10 females, 8 males; mean age 4y 7mo; SD 1y 10mo) diagnosed with Panayiotopoulos syndrome at the Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively. All underwent a neuropsychological/behavioural assessment, an academic assessment, and a 24-hour electroencephalogram.
Results:
Mean full-scale IQ (93.5; range 76-123; p=0.04) and performance IQ (93.2; range 76-126; p=0.04) were within the normal range, although significantly lower compared to the normative mean. Verbal IQ (96.3; range 76-118) and processing speed (96.1; range 74-114) were not significantly lower. Simple auditory/visual reaction times, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory were significantly lower compared to normative values. On average, patients with Panayiotopoulos syndrome were 8 months behind in arithmetic speed and 11 months behind in reading speed for the number of months in school. Behavioural questionnaires revealed significantly higher scores on reported internalizing behavioural problems.
Interpretation:
Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome demonstrated diffuse cognitive dysfunction in full-scale IQ, performance IQ, visual attention, visual-motor integration, and verbal memory. A high incidence of internalizing behavioural problems was reported. This strongly suggests neuropsychological and behavioural comorbidity in children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
What This Paper Adds:
Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are at risk for cognitive deficits in various cognitive domains. Children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome are also prone to internalizing behavioural problems. Mild-to-severe academic underachievement was present in more than half of the children with Panayiotopoulos syndrome.
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