title: Memory in children with epilepsy: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research suggests an increased risk for cognitive impairment in childhood epilepsy with memory being one area of cognition most likely to be affected. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of memory difficulties may help improve awareness of the difficulties and allow efficacious supports to be put in place.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was carried out using the search terms 'memory', 'children' and 'epilepsy' in the database PUBMED. Eighty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. The review focuses on comparisons of memory scores of children with epilepsy and controls, and comparison of memory scores of children with epilepsy to normative scores. Predictors of memory impairment and the effect of surgery on memory functioning are also reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority (78%) of studies reviewed revealed that children with epilepsy scored lower than controls and normative scores on measures of memory. Post-surgery, memory scores were reported to improve in 50% of studies. Predictors of memory impairment included a greater number of AEDs used, younger age of onset, increased seizure frequency and longer duration of epilepsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children with epilepsy have a high frequency of memory impairments. However, the exact prevalence of difficulties is not clear due to the lack of population-based data. Most studies have not controlled for IQ and thus it is unclear if difficulties are always related to global cognitive difficulties. There is need for future population-based studies and studies focussing on the neurobiology of memory problems in children with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Young Epilepsy, St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: lmenlove@youngepilepsy.org.uk.
authors.forename: Leanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Menlove
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Young Epilepsy, St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, United Kingdom. Electronic address: creilly@youngepilepsy.org.uk.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reilly
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Children; Epilepsy; Memory; Predictors