title: Attention and executive functions in children with epilepsy: what, why, and what to do.
abstract: Attention and executive function deficits are a common sequelae of many neurological conditions of childhood. Those with epilepsy frequently show such deficits, as executive dysfunction is common in all epilepsy syndromes of childhood. The purpose of this article is to review what is known about attention and executive functions, including the neurological underpinnings of these skills. Then, general cognitive function and dysfunction in childhood epilepsy is discussed with a special focus on attention and executive function impairment. Finally, treatment considerations for children and adolescents with these deficits are reviewed and future directions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University , New York , New York.
authors.forename: William S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: MacAllister
authors.forename: Marsha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vasserman
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: ADHD; attention; epilepsy; executive functions