Comparison of minimally invasive to standard temporal lobectomy approaches to epilepsy surgery: Seizure relief and visual confrontation naming outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to systematically examine three different surgical approaches in treating left medial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) (viz., subtemporal selective amygdalohippocampectomy [subSAH], stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy [SLAH], and anterior temporal lobectomy [ATL]), to determine which procedures are most favorable in terms of visual confrontation naming and seizure relief outcome. This was a retrospective study of 33 adults with intractable mTLE who underwent left temporal lobe surgery at three different epilepsy surgery centers who also underwent pre-, and at least 6-month post-surgical neuropsychological testing. Measures included the Boston Naming Test (BNT) and the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale. Fisher's exact tests revealed a statistically significant decline in naming in ATLs compared to SLAHs, but no other significant group differences. 82% of ATL and 36% of subSAH patients showed a significant naming decline whereas no SLAH patient (0%) had a significant naming decline. Significant postoperative naming improvement was seen in 36% of SLAH patients in contrast to 9% improvement in subSAH patients and 0% improvement in ATLs. Finally, there were no statistically significant differences between surgical approaches with regard to seizure freedom outcome, although there was a trend towards better seizure relief outcome among the ATL patients. Results support a possible benefit of SLAH in preserving visual confrontation naming after left TLE surgery. While result interpretation is limited by the small sample size, findings suggest outcome is likely to differ by surgical approach, and that further research on cognitive and seizure freedom outcomes is needed to inform patients and providers of potential risks and benefits with each.

A phase 1 open-label trial evaluating focused ultrasound unilateral anterior thalamotomy for focal onset epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Focused ultrasound ablation (FUSA) is an emerging treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases. We describe the initial experience from a pilot, open-label, single-center clinical trial of unilateral anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) FUSA in patients with treatment-refractory epilepsy. METHODS: Two adult subjects with treatment-refractory, focal onset epilepsy were recruited. The subjects received ANT FUSA using the Exablate Neuro (Insightec) system. We determined the safety and feasibility (primary outcomes), and changes in seizure frequency (secondary outcome) at 3, 6, and 12 months. Safety was assessed by the absence of side effects, that is, new onset neurological deficits or performance deterioration on neuropsychological testing. Feasibility was defined as the ability to create a lesion within the anterior nucleus. The monthly seizure frequency was compared between baseline and postthalamotomy. RESULTS: The patients tolerated the procedure well, without neurological deficits or serious adverse events. One patient experienced a decline in verbal fluency, attention/working memory, and immediate verbal memory. Seizure frequency reduced significantly in both patients; one patient was seizure-free at 12 months, and in the second patient, the frequency reduced from 90-100 seizures per month to 3-6 seizures per month. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first known clinical trial to assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of ANT FUSA in adult patients with treatment-refractory focal onset epilepsy.

Psychiatric changes after stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy for medial temporal lobe epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) that has comparable rates of seizure freedom to traditional open resective TLE surgery. The objective of this study was to determine psychiatric outcome (i.e., depression and anxiety changes, psychosis) after SLAH, to explore possible contributory factors to these changes, and to determine the prevalence of de novo psychopathology. METHODS: We explored mood and anxiety in 37 adult patients with TLE undergoing SLAH using the Beck psychiatric symptoms scales (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II] and Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]) preoperatively and 6 months following surgery. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of worse depression or anxiety symptoms following SLAH. The prevalence of de novo psychopathology following SLAH was also determined. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in BDI-II (mean decline from 16.3 to 10.9, p = 0.004) and BAI (mean decline from 13.3 to 9.0, p = 0.045) scores following SLAH at the group level. While the rate of resolution of depression (from 62% to 49%) did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.13, McNemar's), the rate of resolution of anxiety (from 57% to 35%) was statistically significant (p = 0.03, McNemar's). The de novo rate of psychopathology (i.e., new onset depression or anxiety) following SLAH was 1 of 7 (14%). Using a metric of meaningful change rather than complete symptom resolution, 16 of 37 (43%) patients experienced improvement in depression and 6 of 37 (16%) experienced worsening. For anxiety, 14 of 37 (38%) experienced meaningful improvement and 8 of 37 (22%) experienced worsening. Baseline performance on the Beck Scales was the only factor contributing to outcome status. DISCUSSION: In one of the first studies to evaluate psychiatric outcomes after SLAH, we found promising overall trends toward stability or significant improvement in symptom burden at the group level for both depression and anxiety. There was also a significant improvement in clinical anxiety, though the decrease in clinical depression was not significant, likely owing to the limitations of sample size. SLAH may improve overall psychiatric symptoms, similarly to traditional resective TLE surgery, but de novo psychopathology and postoperative psychiatric morbidity remain significant issues, and larger samples are necessary to determine causal contributory factors.

The effect of responsive neurostimulation (RNS) on neuropsychiatric and psychosocial outcomes in drug-resistant epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of responsive neurostimulation (RNS) on neuropsychiatric and psychosocial outcomes has not been extensively evaluated outside of the original clinical trials and post-approval studies. The goal of this study was to ascertain the potential real-world effects of RNS on cognitive, psychiatric, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in relation to seizure outcomes by examining 50 patients undergoing RNS implantation for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients treated at our institution with RNS for DRE with at least 12 months of follow-up. In addition to baseline demographic and disease-related characteristics, we collected cognitive (Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient, Verbal Comprehension, and Perceptual Reasoning Index), psychiatric (Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory Scores), and QOL (QOLIE-31) outcomes at 6 and 12 months after RNS implantation and correlated them with seizure outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty patients (median age 39.5 years, 64% female) were treated with RNS for DRE in our institution from 2005 to 2020. Of the 37 of them who had well-documented pre and post-implantation seizure diaries, the 6-month median seizure frequency reduction was 88%, the response rate (50% or greater seizure frequency reduction) was 78%, and 32% of patients were free of disabling seizures in this timeframe. There was no statistically significant difference at a group level in any of the evaluated cognitive, psychiatric, and QOL outcomes at 6 and 12 months post-implantation compared to the pre-implantation baseline, irrespective of seizure outcomes, although a subset of patients experienced a decline in mood or cognitive variables. SIGNIFICANCE: Responsive neurostimulation does not appear to have a statistically significant negative or positive impact on neuropsychiatric and psychosocial status at the group level. We observed significant variability in outcome, with a minority of patients experiencing worse behavioral outcomes, which seemed related to RNS implantation. Careful outcome monitoring is required to identify the subset of patients experiencing a poor response and to make appropriate adjustments in care.

Central Nervous System Manifestations of COVID-19: A Critical Review and Proposed Research Agenda.

OBJECTIVE: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared an outbreak of a new viral entity, coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), to be a worldwide pandemic. The characteristics of this virus, as well as its short- and long-term implications, are not yet well understood. The objective of the current paper was to provide a critical review of the emerging literature on COVID-19 and its implications for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive functioning. METHOD: A critical review of recently published empirical research, case studies, and reviews pertaining to central nervous system (CNS) complications of COVID-19 was conducted by searching PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and bioRxiv. RESULTS: After considering the available literature, areas thought to be most pertinent to clinical and research neuropsychologists, including CNS manifestations, neurologic symptoms/syndromes, neuroimaging, and potential long-term implications of COVID-19 infection, were reviewed. CONCLUSION: Once thought to be merely a respiratory virus, the scientific and medical communities have realized COVID-19 to have broader effects on renal, vascular, and neurological body systems. The question of cognitive deficits is not yet well studied, but neuropsychologists will undoubtedly play an important role in the years to come.

A Neuropsychological Profile for Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: A Single-Case Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) belongs to a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders known as autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias. Low awareness of CTX can result in misdiagnoses in the differential diagnostic process and may limit one's ability to offer suitable recommendations. While neurodegeneration is a recognized manifestation of CTX, there is scant literature to characterize the nature of cortical symptoms and even less detailing of its associated neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations. METHOD: Based on the lack of representation of CTX in neuropsychological literature, we sought to present a case seen in a 39-year-old patient within our own clinic. RESULTS: Evaluation of the patient's neurocognitive functioning revealed global impairment consistent with a CTX diagnosis and neuroimaging findings noting significant cerebellar involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychologists are increasingly called upon to make treatment recommendations and provide information that may be helpful in differential diagnosis as part of multidisciplinary teams. Referrals from neurology are common, and it is important for neuropsychologists to be aware of diseases that affect the central nervous system; CTX is one such example. The goal of this case study is to build awareness of this condition and increase interest in a more systematic approach to research and clinical care of this population.

Post-traumatic Confusional State: A Case Definition and Diagnostic Criteria.

In response to the need to better define the natural history of emerging consciousness after traumatic brain injury and to better describe the characteristics of the condition commonly labeled posttraumatic amnesia, a case definition and diagnostic criteria for the posttraumatic confusional state (PTCS) were developed. This project was completed by the Confusion Workgroup of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest group. The case definition was informed by an exhaustive literature review and expert opinion of workgroup members from multiple disciplines. The workgroup reviewed 2466 abstracts and extracted evidence from 44 articles. Consensus was reached through teleconferences, face-to-face meetings, and 3 rounds of modified Delphi voting. The case definition provides detailed description of PTCS (1) core neurobehavioral features, (2) associated neurobehavioral features, (3) functional implications, (4) exclusion criteria, (5) lower boundary, and (6) criteria for emergence. Core neurobehavioral features include disturbances of attention, orientation, and memory as well as excessive fluctuation. Associated neurobehavioral features include emotional and behavioral disturbances, sleep-wake cycle disturbance, delusions, perceptual disturbances, and confabulation. The lower boundary distinguishes PTCS from the minimally conscious state, while upper boundary is marked by significant improvement in the 4 core and 5 associated features. Key research goals are establishment of cutoffs on assessment instruments and determination of levels of behavioral function that distinguish persons in PTCS from those who have emerged to the period of continued recovery.

Assessment of veteran and caregiver knowledge about mild traumatic brain injury in a VA Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of knowledge about mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) of veterans and their friends/family members. SETTING: VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred veterans and 50 of their friends/family members. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. MAIN MEASURES: A 60-item questionnaire was created by drawing both from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory and from a brain injury knowledge survey developed for use with the general public. RESULTS: Both groups were equally able to identify true mild TBI items, but both also endorsed numerous items not typical of a mild injury. Self-reported prior TBI and receipt of TBI education were unrelated to the level of knowledge. For both groups, knowing another individual with TBI was unrelated to other aspects of mild TBI knowledge. Only 1 in 5 veterans endorsed receiving brain injury education while in the military. CONCLUSION: Results of this study may assist in the development of targeted TBI educational interventions for veterans and their friends/family members within the Veterans Affairs system. Ultimately, increased knowledge about mild TBI improves the likelihood that veterans receive care congruent with their needs and may potentially improve outcomes for those with mild TBI.

A neuropsychological profile for high-grade primary central nervous system neuroendocrine tumor (CNS NET): a single-case study.

Objective: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that primarily occur in the lungs, appendix, small intestine, pancreas, and rectum, and typically metastasize to the liver or lymph nodes. However, in rare cases NETs can originate in the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding primary CNS NET neuropsychological manifestations aids in recommendations for neurocognitive follow-up, treatment and lifestyle planning, and future research. Method: Given the dearth of neuropsychological research for CNS NETs, we present a case seen in a 43-year-old woman. Results: Initial and 8-month follow-up neuropsychological evaluations of the patient revealed a Major Neurocognitive Disorder where the pattern of findings was consistent with tumor location and additional treatment-related factors. Reliable change indices at her re-evaluation revealed declines in verbal and visual memory, with statistical, yet not clinical, improvements in different domains. Follow-up monitoring of comprehensive care continued to occur after neuropsychological evaluations. Conclusions: This case study assists in the characterization of initial and follow-up neuropsychological presentation of a primary CNS NET, where evaluations helped inform clinical care and functional recommendations. This case demonstrates the importance for neuropsychologists to have awareness of various conditions, even rare conditions, which can inform a systematic approach to research and clinical care with neuro-oncological populations.

A survey of neuropsychological assessment feedback practices among neuropsychologists.

OBJECTIVE: Feedback on neuropsychological assessment is a critical part of clinical practice, but there are few empirical papers on neuropsychological feedback practices. We sought to fill this gap in the literature by surveying practicing neuropsychologists in the United States. Questions addressed how they provide verbal and written feedback to patients and referral sources. Survey questions also addressed billing practices and training in the provision of feedback. METHODS: A survey was developed using Qualtrics XM to survey currently licensed, independently practicing clinical neuropsychologists in the United States about their feedback practices. The survey was completed by 184 individuals. RESULTS: Nearly all respondents reported that they provide verbal feedback to patients, most often in-person, within three weeks following testing. Typically, verbal feedback sessions with patients last 45 min. Verbal feedback was provided to referrals by about half of our sample, typically via a brief phone call. Most participants also reported providing written feedback to both the patient and referring provider, most commonly via the written report within three weeks after testing. Regarding billing, most respondents use neuropsychological testing evaluation codes. The COVID-19 pandemic appeared to have had a limited impact on the perceived effectiveness and quality of verbal feedback sessions. Finally, respondents reported that across major stages of professional development, training in the provision of feedback gradually increased but was considered inadequate by many participants. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide an empirical summary of the "state of current practice" for providing neuropsychological assessment feedback. Further experimental research is needed to develop an evidence-base for effective feedback practices.

Psychotherapeutic treatment of survivors of traumatic brain injury: review of the literature and special considerations.

UNLABELLED: Abstract Primary objective: To provide an overview of useful clinical information for healthcare providers involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, including current methods used with survivors of TBI, therapeutic considerations in light of this population's cognitive, emotional and social difficulties and issues regarding the therapeutic working alliance from both survivor and provider perspectives. RESEARCH DESIGN: Non-systematic clinical review. METHOD: The literature was intended to be comprehensive to reflect both past and present contributions to the field. To that end, citations were included from seminal and current texts as well as relevant original and review articles from 1985-2012 in PubMed and PubMedCentral online research databases. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: This article highlights the usefulness of psychotherapy for treatment of psychiatric symptoms in the TBI population, reviews available modalities and offers considerations and suggestions to facilitate and improve treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although challenging and perhaps frustrating at times, psychotherapy with this population can be validly attempted and ultimately very rewarding for both the survivor and therapist. Future research should seek to perform controlled studies to examine therapeutic efficacy and compare gains by injury severity in the hopes of creating best practice guidelines for practitioners.

Development and application of the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE): Initial results from a multi-center study of adults with temporal lobe epilepsy.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Neuropsychology on Sep 15 2022 (see record 2023-01997-001). In the original article, there was an error in Figure 2. In the box at the top left of the figure, the fourth explanation incorrectly stated, "Generalized impairment = At least one test < -1.0 or -1.5SD in three or more domains." The correct wording is "Generalized impairment = At least two tests < -1.0 or -1.5SD in each of three or more domains." All versions of this article have been corrected.] Objective: To describe the development and application of a consensus-based, empirically driven approach to cognitive diagnostics in epilepsy research-The International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CoDE) and to assess the ability of the IC-CoDE to produce definable and stable cognitive phenotypes in a large, multi-center temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patient sample. METHOD: Neuropsychological data were available for a diverse cohort of 2,485 patients with TLE across seven epilepsy centers. Patterns of impairment were determined based on commonly used tests within five cognitive domains (language, memory, executive functioning, attention/processing speed, and visuospatial ability) using two impairment thresholds (≤1.0 and ≤1.5 standard deviations below the normative mean). Cognitive phenotypes were derived across samples using the IC-CoDE and compared to distributions of phenotypes reported in existing studies. RESULTS: Impairment rates were highest on tests of language, followed by memory, executive functioning, attention/processing speed, and visuospatial ability. Application of the IC-CoDE using varying operational definitions of impairment (≤ 1.0 and ≤ 1.5 SD) produced cognitive phenotypes with the following distribution: cognitively intact (30%-50%), single-domain (26%-29%), bi-domain (14%-19%), and generalized (10%-22%) impairment. Application of the ≤ 1.5 cutoff produced a distribution of phenotypes that was consistent across cohorts and approximated the distribution produced using data-driven approaches in prior studies. CONCLUSIONS: The IC-CoDE is the first iteration of a classification system for harmonizing cognitive diagnostics in epilepsy research that can be applied across neuropsychological tests and TLE cohorts. This proof-of-principle study in TLE offers a promising path for enhancing research collaborations globally and accelerating scientific discoveries in epilepsy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Patients with Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease Benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) is generally contraindicated in persons with dementia but it is frequently performed in people with mild cognitive impairment or normal cognition, and current clinical guidelines are primarily based on these cohorts. Objectives: To determine if moderately cognitive impaired individuals including those with mild dementia could meaningfully benefit from DBS in terms of motor and non-motor outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we identified a cohort of 40 patients with PD who exhibited moderate (two or more standard deviations below normative scores) cognitive impairment (CI) during presurgical workup and compared their 1-year clinical outcomes to a cohort of 40 matched patients with normal cognition (NC). The surgery targeted subthalamus, pallidus or motor thalamus, in a unilateral, bilateral or staged approach. Results: At preoperative baseline, the CI cohort had higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscores, but similar levodopa responsiveness compared to the NC cohort. The NC and CI cohorts demonstrated comparable degrees of postoperative improvement in the OFF-medication motor scores, motor fluctuations, and medication reduction. There was no difference in adverse event rates between the two cohorts. Outcomes in the CI cohort did not depend on the target, surgical staging, or impaired cognitive domain. Conclusions: Moderately cognitively impaired patients with PD can experience meaningful motor benefit and medication reduction with DBS.

Digital Methods of Delivering Education and Training in Neuropsychology.

OBJECTIVE: High quality and accessible education is crucial to secure the future of neuropsychology. Recent and ongoing advancements include the creation of a taxonomy of education and training, progress in delineating relevant competencies, and an update to the Houston Conference Guidelines. Meanwhile, there is also potential for growth in digital methods of delivering education such as podcasts, webinars, and social media platforms. This paper aims to review the evidence for these three methods and to provide recommendations for implementing them across the continuum of training in neuropsychology, from graduate school through postdoctoral fellowship and continuing education. METHOD: We reviewed the literature on podcasts, webinars, and social media platforms as educational tools that may be applied to improve learning of brain-behavior concepts and clinical skills. Specifically, we (a) introduce and describe each method, (b) discuss benefits and drawbacks, (c) review the literature on satisfaction and learning outcomes, and (d) provide suggestions for implementation in neuropsychology training programs. RESULTS: Podcasts and webinars have strong evidence for satisfaction and moderate support for improving learning outcomes, with the learning outcome literature suggesting equivalency between podcasts/webinars and traditional methods of education. Social media platforms are associated with high satisfaction, but learning outcome data are scarce. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for podcasts and webinars is sufficient to support implementation into neuropsychology education, whereas social media platforms should be used more cautiously. We provide recommendations of select instances in which trainees and educators can use these methods to improve education in neuropsychology.

Diverse experiences and approaches to tele neuropsychology: Commentary and reflections over the past year of COVID-19.

Objectives: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, neuropsychologists rapidly adopted teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) services to ensure continued clinical care. Prior to COVID-19, TeleNP was not widely used nor was it included in the majority of traditional practice or training models across graduate, internship, and postdoctoral programs. Out of necessity, the pandemic was a catalyst that promoted greater adoption of TeleNP services. In response, neuropsychological guidelines for modified assessments were developed and further empirical studies have been published. Numerous surveys in response to service delivery changes during COVID-19 now exist, but what follows is a commentary based on neuropsychologists' experiences with adapting clinical practice to TeleNP. Methods: Co-authors represent settings across academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and private practices that serve multiculturally diverse pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations in the United States. Results: The perspectives within this commentary aim to highlight the growth of TeleNP and highlight lessons learned from implementation across practice settings. Conclusions: Our goal is to help foster the development of further empirical studies through candid discussion of various TeleNP experiences and approaches. Through this reflective process, TeleNP presents both opportunities and challenges but it ultimately has potential to reduce healthcare disparities and enhance patient care.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Assessment of Non-Motor Features in Deep Brain Stimulation Candidates: Relationship to the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of depression and anxiety to the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and explore patterns of selected PROMIS measures in patients undergoing evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). METHOD: BDI-II, BAI, and seven PROMIS measures were administered to 163 DBS candidates with diagnoses of Parkinson Disease (PD, n = 102), Essential Tremor (ET, n = 45), or Dystonia (n = 16). RESULTS: Elevated PROMIS Depression using BDI-II Crosswalk equivalents predicted elevated BDI-II with 63% sensitivity and 94% specificity. On other PROMIS measures, 69 patients (42%) reported low Physical Function (T ≤ 40) with Pain Interference being the next most frequent abnormal score (n = 51, 31%). Group differences were present for PROMIS Physical Function, Sleep Disturbance, and Pain. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings provide initial support for PROMIS Depression to assess mood disturbance in DBS candidates, and characterize other PROMIS measures in DBS candidates including group differences reflecting disease specific contribution to Quality of Life.

Cognitive and Emotional Mapping With SEEG.

Mapping of cortical functions is critical for the best clinical care of patients undergoing epilepsy and tumor surgery, but also to better understand human brain function and connectivity. The purpose of this review is to explore existing and potential means of mapping higher cortical functions, including stimulation mapping, passive mapping, and connectivity analyses. We examine the history of mapping, differences between subdural and stereoelectroencephalographic approaches, and some risks and safety aspects, before examining different types of functional mapping. Much of this review explores the prospects for new mapping approaches to better understand other components of language, memory, spatial skills, executive, and socio-emotional functions. We also touch on brain-machine interfaces, philosophical aspects of aligning tasks to brain circuits, and the study of consciousness. We end by discussing multi-modal testing and virtual reality approaches to mapping higher cortical functions.

Addressing neuropsychological diagnostics in adults with epilepsy: Introducing the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy: The IC CODE Initiative.

This paper addresses the absence of an international diagnostic taxonomy for cognitive disorders in patients with epilepsy. Initiated through the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Neuropsychological Society, neuropsychological representatives from both organizations met to address the problem and consequences of the absence of an international diagnostic taxonomy for cognitive disorders in epilepsy, overview potential solutions, and propose specific solutions going forward. The group concluded that a classification of cognitive disorders in epilepsy, including an overall taxonomy and associated operational criteria, was clearly lacking and sorely needed. This paper reviews the advantages and shortcomings of four existing cognitive diagnostic approaches, including taxonomies derived from the US National Neuropsychology Network, DSM-V Neurocognitive Disorders, the Mild Cognitive Impairment classification from the aging/preclinical dementia literature, and the Research Domain Criteria Initiative. We propose a framework to develop a consensus-based classification system for cognitive disorders in epilepsy that will be international in scope and be applicable for clinical practice and research globally and introduce the International Classification of Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy (IC-CODE) project.

Cloze probability and completion norms for 498 sentences: behavioral and neural validation using event-related potentials.

Three decades after their publication, Bloom and Fischler's (1980) sentence completion norms continue to demonstrate widespread utility. The aim of the present study was to extend this contribution by expanding the existing database of high-constraint, high cloze probability sentences. Using the criteria established by Bloom and Fischler, we constructed 398 new sentences and presented these along with 100 sentences from their original list to be normed using a sample of 400 participants. Of the 498 sentences presented, 400 met criteria for high cloze probability-that is, .67 or higher probability of being completed by a specific single word. Of these, 321 sentences were from the new set and an additional 79 were from Bloom and Fischler's set. A high degree of correspondence was observed between responses obtained by Bloom and Fischler for their high-constraint set. A second experiment utilized an N400 event-related potential paradigm to provide further validation of the contextual constraint for the newly generated set. As expected, N400 amplitude was greater for sentences that violated contextual expectancy by ending in a word other than the newly established completion norm. Sentence completion norms are frequently used in cognitive research, and this larger database of high cloze probability sentences is expected to be of benefit to the research community for many years to come. The full set of stimuli and sentence completion norms from this study may be downloaded from http://brm.psychonomic-journals.org/content/supplemental.

The relationship of pain catastrophizing to heightened feelings of distress.

This study examined pain catastrophizing in individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions. Total score on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was examined, along with its relationship to several clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory-Second Edition to answer the question of which scale would have the strongest relationship with total score on the PCS. These three scales have been most commonly implicated in chronic pain conditions. Overall results supported the importance of pain catastrophizing in helping to create heightened feelings of distress. Individuals higher in catastrophizing tend to experience increased pain, distress, anxiety, and depression with lower levels of functioning. A quick measure of catastrophizing is supported that will allow the professional more knowledge of the role of pain in the individual's condition and how pain-related thoughts may modify their quality of life.