Impact of Pediatric Epilepsy on Cognitive Development
Exploring how epilepsy affects learning, memory, and overall child development, along with key factors contributing to cognitive challenges.
Key Contributors to Cognitive Impairment in Epilepsy and Their Impact
Underlying etiology of epilepsy
Electroclinical seizures.
Central nervous system side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
Cognitive Effects of Epilepsy on Child Development
- Intellectual challenges Disability ranging from mild to severe.
- Memory impairment Children with epilepsy may struggle to recall information, particularly in the short-term, which can pose challenges for learning.
- Language dysfunction Language problems include word trouble and naming difficulties. Reading and spelling are also affected.
- Attention and executive function deficits It affects ability to focus and concentrate and mainly cause academic failure.
- Aggression Issues Behavioral problem with aggression.
References
- Kim EH, Ko TS. Cognitive impairment in childhood onset epilepsy: up-to-date information about its causes. Korean J Pediatr. 2016 Apr;59(4):155-64.
- Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Viggiano A, Dell'Isola GB, Dini G, Verrotti A, Coppola G. Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment in Childhood and Adolescence: A Mini-Review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2023;21(8):1646-1665.
- Van Rijckevorsel K. Cognitive problems related to epilepsy syndromes, especially malignant epilepsies. Seizure. 2006 Jun 1;15(4):227-34.