NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY

Results from comprehensive neuropsychological assessments of children diagnosed with epilepsy have rarely been reported. Previous research h as generally focused on the measurement of overall intellectual abilit y and achievement skills. In the present study, neuropsychological eva luations including memory, attention, language, achievement, fine moto r, executive function, visual motor integration, and behavior were com pleted on children (n = 79) diagnosed with epilepsy. Neurocognitive sk ills were within expectations for measured intelligence with the excep tion of verbal and visual attention skills, which were significantly b elow expectations based on measured ability. Behaviorally, children we re rated by their parents as demonstrating clinically elevated attenti onal problems. Differences in cognitive and behavioral function were n ot found according to seizure type. Findings suggested a more diffuse effect of childhood epilepsy reflected in a pattern of decreased atten tion skills.