Abstracts

Rationale: Cognitive deficits are observed among many children with epilepsy. Neuropsychological deficits and academic concerns are often present near the time of diagnosis, and in some, prior to the first seizure. These deficits may continue to impact functioning throughout epilepsy course. Research has shown associations among epilepsy treatment, type of epilepsy, seizure frequency, and cognition over time. However, very few studies examined cognitive functioning with regards to epilepsy factors in the 1st year following diagnosis. Understanding these relationships is essential to timely intervention. This study evaluated neuropsychological profiles and seizure variables shortly following the diagnosis of epilepsy (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Methods: 48 participants completed both T1 and T2 brief neuropsychological evaluations. At T2: mean age 8.1 years (range: 3 - 16). 22 females (46%). 15 generalized, 26 focal, 7 unknown onset. 40 on monotherapy, 8 on polytherapy. 34 had no seizures within 3 months, 14 had at least 1 seizure within 3 months. Results: At T2, significant differences (p < .05) were identified between participants treated with monotherapy versus polytherapy across several neuropsychological domains. Participants on polytherapy showed lower performances (p < .05) on tests of processing speed, verbal memory, visual-motor integration, and verbal fluency. Compared to those who were seizure free for at least 3 months at T2, participants who had experienced a recent seizure showed lower performances (p < .05) on tests of processing speed, visual motor integration, and motor dexterity. Between T1 and T2, 33/48 (69%) participants showed a decline (?-1 SD) in at least one domain; 18 showed declines in 2 or more domains. Of those who showed a decline in at least one area, 18 showed impairments (>