TY - JOUR
T1 - Cognitive and Social Outcomes of Epileptic Encephalopathies
AU - Nickels, Katherine C.
AU - Wirrell, Elaine C.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Inc.
PY - 2017/11
Y1 - 2017/11
N2 - The term “epileptic encephalopathy” denotes a disorder in which seizures or frequent interictal discharges exacerbate neurocognitive dysfunction beyond what would be expected on the basis of underlying etiology. However, many underlying causes of epileptic encephalopathy also result in neurocognitive deficits, and it can be challenging to discern to what extent these deficits can be improved with better seizure control. Additionally, as seizures in these conditions are typically refractory, children are often exposed to high doses of multiple antiepileptic drugs which further exacerbate these comorbidities. This review will summarize the neurocognitive and social outcomes in children with various epileptic encephalopathies. Prompt, accurate diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome and etiology allows selection of optimal therapy to maximize seizure control, limiting the impact of ongoing seizures and frequent epileptiform abnormalities on the developing brain. Furthermore, mandatory screening for comorbidities allows early recognition and focused therapy for these commonly associated conditions to maximize neurocognitive outcome.
AB - The term “epileptic encephalopathy” denotes a disorder in which seizures or frequent interictal discharges exacerbate neurocognitive dysfunction beyond what would be expected on the basis of underlying etiology. However, many underlying causes of epileptic encephalopathy also result in neurocognitive deficits, and it can be challenging to discern to what extent these deficits can be improved with better seizure control. Additionally, as seizures in these conditions are typically refractory, children are often exposed to high doses of multiple antiepileptic drugs which further exacerbate these comorbidities. This review will summarize the neurocognitive and social outcomes in children with various epileptic encephalopathies. Prompt, accurate diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome and etiology allows selection of optimal therapy to maximize seizure control, limiting the impact of ongoing seizures and frequent epileptiform abnormalities on the developing brain. Furthermore, mandatory screening for comorbidities allows early recognition and focused therapy for these commonly associated conditions to maximize neurocognitive outcome.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.spen.2017.10.001
DO - 10.1016/j.spen.2017.10.001
M3 - Article
C2 - 29249506
AN - SCOPUS:85035223314
SN - 1071-9091
VL - 24
SP - 264
EP - 275
JO - Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
JF - Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
IS - 4
ER -