The course of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in children with new onset seizures.
The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, explore the course of these symptoms over time, and examine factors associated with change in these symptoms. Parents of children (n=42) were administered the Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale-Home Version (ADDES-HV) at the time of diagnosis. The ADDES-HV was readministered after the child's seizures were controlled. Prior to initiation of anticonvulsant therapy, 31% of the children were rated as having clinically significant problems with inattention and 31% with hyperactivity-impulsivity. At follow-up, 27% had elevated symptoms of inattention and 24% had hyperactivity-impulsivity. Analysis of this change indicated that children with a normal MRI were more likely to have decreased hyperactive-impulsive behaviors following control of their seizures. Results suggest the need for assessment and monitoring of attention in children with epilepsy.
Williams
Jane
J
Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 800 Marshall Street, 72202, Little Rock, AK, USA
Lange
Bernadette
B
Phillips
Tonya
T
Sharp
Gregory B.
GB
DelosReyes
Emily
E
Bates
Stephen
S
Griebel
May L.
ML
Simpson
Pippa
P