title: Spatial memory alterations in children with epilepsy of genetic origin or unknown cause.
abstract: Genetic generalised epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause can remit before adolescence. In many children, the disease does not interfere with their academic achievement. Although there are neuropsychological studies characterising the cognitive profile, there are no studies in this population focused on spatial orientation abilities. In this study, we compared children with genetic generalised epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause with a control group using a virtual spatial learning task. Children with epilepsy showed worse performance on the spatial orientation task, although their visuo-spatial memory, attention, and working memory were normal. These results confirm that genetic generalised epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause is associated with more cognitive deficits. Virtual reality technologies can complement clinical assessment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Almeria.
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cimadevilla
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Neurology Unit, Torrecardenas Hospital, Almeria, Spain.
authors.forename: Julio Ramos
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lizana
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Almeria.
authors.forename: Maria Dolores
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Roldán
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Almeria.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cánovas
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Almeria.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003196:Computer Graphics; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D014584:User-Computer Interface
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants
keywords: academic achievement; hippocampus; navigation; neuropsychology