Neuropsychological and behavioral status of children with complex partial seizures

Neuropsychological and behavioral status were examined in 57 children aged 7 to 16 years with complex partial seizures (CPS) and compared with 27 sibl ing control children of the same age. Epilepsy had a significant effect on both cognitive and behavioral adjustment measures. Children with CPS had si gnificant impairment across all seven cognitive domains assessed, reflectiv e of a profile of relatively diffuse and generalized cognitive dysfunction. Age at onset of recurrent seizures was the strongest and most consistent p redictor of adequacy of cognitive functioning; earlier age at onset was ass ociated with poorer cognitive status. Children with GPS also had more probl ems compared with sibling control children on measures of social and school competence and internalizing behavior problems, but not externalizing beha viors. Further, frequency of seizure activity in the past year, rather than age at seizure onset, emerged as the strongest predictor of these behavior al difficulties. These findings are discussed in the context of understandi ng the impact of GPS on cognition and behavioral adjustment, and identifyin g the contribution of various aspects of the neurodevelopmental course of C PS to these issues.