title: Characteristics of cognitive functions in children with epilepsy.
abstract: The aim of the present work was to study the causes and structure of interictal cognitive and emotionalpersonality impairments in children with different types of epilepsy. A total of 40 children were studied, aged from eight to 18 years. Symptomatic epilepsy was diagnosed in 31 patients (77.5%) and idiopathic epilepsy in nine (22.5%). Cognitive functions were compared in relation to the type of epilepsy, type of seizures, and treatment with antiepileptic and its efficacy. The results showed that intellectual-mnestic disorders were seen in 62% of children with epilepsy, more profound impairments being seen in patients with generalized epileptic seizures. Achievement of stable remission from seizures was associated with good recovery of cognitive functions; in the absence of treatment with antiepileptic agents and when treatment was ineffective, there were marked disorders to the intellectual-mnestic sphere.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nerve Diseases, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy, St. Petersburg, Russia.
authors.forename: V I
authors.initials: VI
authors.lastname: Guzeva
authors.forename: V O
authors.initials: VO
authors.lastname: Belash
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Guzeva
authors.forename: O V
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Guzeva
authors.forename: Okembra
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ibarra Eleonora Anastazi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male