The value of a neuropsychiatric examination of children with complex severe epilepsy.
The feasibility and utility of a neuropsychiatric assessment in a cohort of severely impaired children with long-standing epilepsy (n = 96) is tested. This assessment is described, and some results reported in this highly selected group. Substantial difficulties in coordination were present in nearly three-quarters of the sample, and dysarthria identified in two-thirds. Psychiatric interviewing identified cases of mood disturbance that altered overall treatment of that child, and a more systematic behavioural assessment permitted clearer management of behavioural problems already known to staff. This research supports previous findings that a full neuropsychiatric evaluation is both practical and has an important place in the early assessment and ongoing management of complex childhood epilepsy.
Harvey
I
I
Institute of Psychiatry, London.
Goodyer
I M
IM
Brown
S W
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004519:Education, Special; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation