COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT OF INFANTS WITH WEST SYNDROME - HOW USEFUL IS ITFOR DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS

Thirty-one infants with West syndrome were followed up. Their cognitiv e competence was assessed before the onset of the disease, and during and after the acute stage. Two kinds of cognitive impairment were iden tified: the first was transitory, linked to the acute stage and mainly consisting of arousal disturbances; the second was the well known lon g-term sequela. It is not possible to exclude the aetiological role of a persistent, severe epileptic change: however, this study emphasizes the prognostic value of previous mental impairment. In serial cogniti ve assessment during the acute stage, the progression of the developme ntal quotient was the best indicator of a good mental outcome, and vic e versa.