Clinical profile and neuropsychological assessment of childhood absence epilepsy: a descriptive study

Vindhiya K.; Viswanathan V.; Padma Balaji

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20182573

Authors

Vindhiya K. Department of Pediatrics, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Viswanathan V. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Padma Balaji Department of Pediatric Neurology, Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20182573

Keywords:

Behavior, Childhood absence, Epilepsy, IQ

Abstract

Background: The objectives of the study was to observe the clinical profile and neuropsychological assessment of childhood absence epilepsy.

Methods: Children attending Neurology Department of tertiary care hospital diagnosed with Childhood Absence Epilepsy underwent validated structured proforma. Neuropsychological assessment included IQ, Behaviour and learning disability. Comparison was made between group with mono and dual therapy.

Results: Number of children studied was 29 with mean age of 6.24years. 20 (68.9%) children were treated with Sodium Valproate. 9 (31.1%) required add on therapy with Lamotrigine. Seizures were well controlled in all children. Mean IQ derived was 101.6 which mean average IQ. Mean CBCL was 25.1 indicating increased behavior problems. There was significant co morbidity like Inattentiveness in 18 (62.1%), Inadequate language ability in 14 (48.3%), Inadequate arithmetic ability in 12 (41.4%) and visual memory was Inadequate in 9 (31%).

Conclusions: Though Children with Absence Epilepsy has average or above average IQ, it is associated with significant co-morbidity which if addressed early can improve the long-term outcome. IQ and behavior has statistically significant association with the numbers of drugs.

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