Risks and benefits of epilepsy surgery in a pediatric population: Consequences for memory and academic skills

Abstract We examined benefits and risks for memory and academic functioning associated with epilepsy surgery in a pediatric population. A total of 46 patients with intractable seizures and a single seizure focus were divided into four groups according to focus localization: right temporal, left temp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Epilepsy & behavior 2016-09, Vol.62, p.189-196
Main Authors: Martin, Rebecca, Cirino, Paul, Hiscock, Merrill, Schultz, Rebecca, Collins, Robert, Chapieski, Lynn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academics
Achievement
Adolescent
Brain - surgery
Child
Educational Status
Epilepsy
Epilepsy - surgery
Female
Humans
Male
Memory
Memory - physiology
Neurology
Neuropsychological Tests
Neurosurgical Procedures - adverse effects
Neurosurgical Procedures - methods
Pediatric
Risk Assessment
Surgery
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Abstract We examined benefits and risks for memory and academic functioning associated with epilepsy surgery in a pediatric population. A total of 46 patients with intractable seizures and a single seizure focus were divided into four groups according to focus localization: right temporal, left temporal, frontal, and parietal/occipital region. Pre- and postsurgery performance measures were compared across groups and with a fifth group of patients that had intractable seizures but did not undergo surgery. Both groups with temporal lobe epilepsy showed significant declines in memory test scores, while performance of the group with frontal lobe epilepsy improved. These changes were mirrored in parental reports of everyday memory. Consistent with other pediatric studies, no lateralized material-specific declines in the groups with temporal lobe epilepsy were found. When memory improved, the improvement was associated with decreases in seizure frequency and the number of anticonvulsant medications. Presurgical performance was the best predictor of declines in memory test performance. Deterioration of academic test scores in the group that did not have surgery exemplified a potential risk of living with seizures and antiepilepsy medication.
ISSN:1525-5050
1525-5069
DOI:10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.06.028