Changes in individual and group spatial and verbal learning characteristics after anterior temporal lobectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) on individual and group spatial and verbal learning and memory abilities as a function of side of surgery and seizure control outcome.


METHODS
We evaluated pre- and postsurgical learning and memory abilities of 75 left-hemisphere language dominant individuals who underwent ATL (33 left, 42 right) using the 8-trial Nonverbal Selective Reminding test and the 12-trial Verbal Selective Reminding test.


RESULTS
Reliable change index methods indicated that 40.5% of individuals who underwent right-ATL had a clinically significant decline in spatial memory, and 62.5% of individuals who underwent left-ATL had a significant reduction in verbal memory. Growth curve analyses indicated that both side of surgery and poor seizure outcome independently affected the learning slope in the best fitting models. Left-ATL reduced the slope, but did not affect the overall shape, of verbal learning across trials. On the other hand, poor seizure control outcome affected the slope of spatial learning regardless of the side of surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Results demonstrate both individual and group declines in spatial memory and learning after ATL. Results suggest that individuals who undergo right-ATL should be counseled regarding the likelihood of a decline in spatial memory and learning abilities after ATL. Results also suggest that individuals with poor seizure control after ATL should be referred for rehabilitation services given the significant declines in spatial and verbal memory that occurred in our sample regardless of side of surgery.
Dulay
Mario F
MF
Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. mariodulay@aol.com
Levin
Harvey S
HS
York
Michele K
MK
Li
Xiaoqi
X
Mizrahi
Eli M
EM
Goldsmith
Ian
I
Verma
Amit
A
Goldman
Alica
A
Grossman
Robert G
RG
Yoshor
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D038481:Anterior Temporal Lobectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000601:surgery; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult