Attention networks in children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Attention deficit is one of the most frequent symptoms in children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). However, it is unknown whether this is a global attention deficit or a deficit in a specific attention network. We used the attention network test (ANT) in children with IGE, who were not being treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), to determine the efficiencies of three independent attention networks (alerting, orienting, and executive control). Children with IGE showed a significant deficit in their executive control network and in overall reaction time. However, they did not show any deficit in their alerting or orienting networks. These results suggest that IGE specifically affects the executive control network.
Tian
Yanghua
Y
Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
Dong
Bin
B
Ma
Ji
J
Zhou
Shanshan
S
Zhou
Nong
N
Wang
Kai
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000150:complications*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011930:Reaction Time