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 sibling control children of the same age. Epilepsy had a significant effect on both cognitive and behavioral adjustment measures. Children with CPS had significant impairment across all seven cognitive domains assessed, reflective of a profile of relatively diffuse and generalized cognitive dysfunction. Age at onset of recurrent seizures was the strongest and most consistent predictor of adequacy of cognitive functioning; earlier age at onset was associated with poorer cognitive status. Children with CPS also had more problems compared with sibling control children on measures of social and school competence and internalizing behavior problems, but not externalizing behaviors. Further, frequency of seizure activity in the past year, rather than age at seizure onset, emerged as the strongest predictor of these behavioral difficulties. These findings are discussed in the context of understanding the impact of CPS on cognition and behavioral adjustment, and identifying the contribution of various aspects of the neurodevelopmental course of CPS to these issues.