A cognitive rehabilitation program to improve hot and cool executive dysfunction in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVE: Executive and attentional deficits are often described in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). We aimed to evaluate the short-term impact of rehabilitation developed for the most frequent cognitive deficits of persons with JME. METHODS: Thirty-three patients entered this study which consisted of 12 individual sessions once a 60-minute week, divided into planning/organization, attention, and impulsivity. Twenty-seven patients finished the protocol, and all patients had pre-and-post evaluations from neuropsychological tests and self-rating questionnaires. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) inferential statistics were used to verify the protocol's effect, and a 95% confidence interval was adopted. RESULTS: We found significant improvement in selective attention (TMT A [p < 0.01] and Stroop test 2 [p = 0.03]), inhibitory control (Stroop test 3 [p = 0.02], FAS [p < 0.01], CPT commissions [p < 0.01]), mental flexibility [WCST categories p < 0.01] and implicit decision making (IGT blocks A [p < 0.01], B [p = 0.02], C [p < 0.01] and D [p < 0.01]). All components of the Behavioral Rating Index of Executive Functions metacognition index and the general quotient had significant improvement (initiative [p ≤ 0.01], working memory [p ≤ 0.01], planning and organization [p ≤ 0.01], task monitor [p = 0.02] and organization of materials [p = 0.02]). Regarding the Behavioral Regulation Index, the "Emotional Control" was improved [p = 0.03]. The attentional component and general scores of the Adult Self-Report Scale for Adults also changed significantly [p ≤ 0.01]. SIGNIFICANCE: Executive function and attention had an improvement in objective and subjective tests. The context-dependent reactive mechanism of impulsivity improved in instruments based on the ecological evaluation. Our findings, though preliminary due to a lack of controls and practice effect corrections, support that cognitive rehabilitation may be a valuable resource to alleviate cognitive deficits in patients with JME.

Counseling about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): A global survey of neurologists' opinions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the opinions and attitudes of neurologists on the counseling about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) worldwide. METHODS: Practicing neurologists from around the world were invited to participate in an online survey. On February 18th, 2021, we emailed an invitation including a questionnaire (using Google-forms) to the lead neurologists from 50 countries. The survey anonymously collected the demographic data of the participants and answers to the questions about their opinions and attitudes toward counseling about SUDEP. RESULTS: In total, 1123 neurologists from 27 countries participated; 41.5% of the respondents reported they discuss the risk of SUDEP with patients and their care-givers only rarely. Specific subgroups of patients who should especially be told about this condition were considered to be those with poor antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence, frequent tonic-clonic seizures, or with drug-resistant epilepsy. The propensity to tell all patients with epilepsy (PWE) about SUDEP was higher among those with epilepsy fellowship. Having an epilepsy fellowship and working in an academic setting were factors associated with a comfortable discussion about SUDEP. There were significant differences between the world regions. CONCLUSION: Neurologists often do not discuss SUDEP with patients and their care-givers. While the results of this study may not be representative of practitioners in each country, it seems that there is a severe dissociation between the clinical significance of SUDEP and the amount of attention that is devoted to this matter in daily practice by many neurologists around the world.

The COVID-19 outbreak and PNES: The impact of a ubiquitously felt stressor.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess frequency of functional seizures or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) during the COVID-19 outbreak and to recognize possible factors associated with worsening in this population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted during the second phase of the pandemic, adult patients with PNES documented by video-EEG and followed up in two tertiary epilepsy centers responded to a structured telephone survey. Data were gathered on demographics, clinical features and frequency of PNES, history of psychiatric comorbidity, access to treatment, as well as on anxiety (GAD-7 items) and depressive symptoms (NDDI-E). RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (78% female; mean age of 31.36 years [SD = 10.6]) were contacted and 15 (28%) reported increased frequency of PNES during the pandemic. Higher scores of GAD-7 items (p < 0.001) and NDDI-E (p < 0.001) were associated with PNES worsening. There was strong evidence of a correlation between higher stress levels (p < 0.001) and poor sleep quality (p 0.005) with PNES aggravation. After regression, stress was the strongest predictor of PNES increased frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with functional neurological disorders are vulnerable during ubiquitously felt stressors. However, the atmosphere of uncertainty did not affect these patients equally. Patients with PNES showing symptoms of anxiety and depression are at higher risk of seizure worsening. Early identification of this subset of patients may prevent this detrimental outcome.

Social aspects of life in patients with functional seizures: Closing the gap in the biopsychosocial formulation.

The human, as a biological system, is an open system embedded within larger systems -including the family, culture, and socio-political environment. In this context, a patient with functional seizures (FS) is embedded in relationships, educational/professional institutions, culture, and society. Both connection to these broader systems and the quality of these connections, as well as the soundness of each system in and of itself, influence the health and well-being of patients in positive or negative ways. The social aspects of life are important determinants of health and quality of life across the lifespan. The current narrative review brings out several overarching themes in patients with FS. Sections on attachment, marriage, social networking, and stigma highlight the central roles of supportive and affirmative relationships across the lifespan. The section on education underscores the importance of keeping children and youth with FS connected within their school environments, as well as managing any barriers - learning difficulties, school response to FS events, stigma, etc.-that can diminish this connection. Finally, the sections on employment and driving highlight the value of being an active participant in one's society. In summary, FS impacts patients across most social aspects of life domains regardless of age - factors that are important when developing biopsychosocial formulations. This review concludes that the multidisciplinary management of FS requires careful assessment of social aspects of life in patients which can then be targeted for treatment, to improve their quality of life, facilitating recovery, and reducing the risk of relapse.

Patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic: Depressive symptoms and their association with healthcare access.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak impacted the lives of worldwide people with epilepsy (PWE) in various aspects, particularly in those countries most significantly affected by this pandemic, such as Brazil. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in PWE and their correlation with epilepsy features and access to treatment. METHODS: PWE were invited to answer a cross-sectional online-based survey to assess and rate depressive symptoms using the NDDI-E during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and its relation to multiple lifestyles epilepsy clinical aspects. RESULTS: A total of 490 PWE were recruited. The prevalence of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic was 35.3% (cutoff score > 15 on NDDI-E). The factors associated with higher NDDI-E scores were: female sex, increased seizure frequency, barriers to access to their treating physician and antiseizure medication, and unemployment. Regarding the pandemic impact on PWE healthcare, 29.2% reported restricted access to their medication, 46.1% barriers to access their physicians, 94.2% had their consultations canceled due to the pandemic, and 28.4% had seizure worsening in this period. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic affected PWE access to the healthcare system. Depressive symptoms were more severe in patients with higher seizure frequency who had difficulties obtaining proper medical care. The COVID-19 pandemic may impact the healthcare and mental wellbeing of patients with chronic diseases such as epilepsy. Nevertheless, prospective studies on epilepsy and COVID-19 are still lacking.

Genetic polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter are not related with depression in temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are the most frequent psychiatric disorders in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). The pathophysiological mechanisms in common between TLE and mood disorders include abnormalities in the serotonergic pathway. We aimed to evaluate the association between serotonin transporter genetic polymorphisms - 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR - and the presence of mood disorders in patients with TLE-HS. METHODS: We evaluated 119 patients with TLE-HS, with and without psychiatric disorder; 146 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 113 healthy volunteers. Individuals were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR polymorphisms. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the TLE-HS groups, healthy controls, and MDD without epilepsy. There was a correlation between the 12-allele of the 5-HTTVNTR and the family history of patients with epilepsy with TLE-HS (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In this study conducted in two Brazilian centers, the serotonin transporter polymorphisms evaluated cannot be associated with depressive disorder in patients with TLE-HS. Still, they do have some influence over some clinical characteristics of epilepsy in TLE-HS. These data may not be reproduced in other populations with distinct ethnic characteristics.

Clinical characteristics of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures across the lifespan: An international retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Previous studies from a few countries have reported semiological differences in younger children compared with adolescents or adults with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). This study tested the hypothesis that semiological, demographic, and historical risk factors vary with different ages of PNES onset in a large cohort from different countries. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we investigated patients consecutively referred for PNES, who were admitted to epilepsy monitoring units in Iran, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada, Argentina, and USA. Age, gender, age at seizure onset, seizure semiology, and factors predisposing to PNES (abuse, stressors) were documented according to routine diagnostic practices at each center. Participants were grouped according to their age at onset (i.e., childhood, adolescence, or adulthood). RESULTS: A total of 448 patients were studied. Female predominance was associated with adolescent- (85/122, 70%) and adult-onset (190/270, 70%) but not in childhood-onset PNES (28/56, 50%) (p = 0.011). Event frequency in the month preceding the diagnosis was higher in the childhood- [x¯â€¯= 50, standard deviation (sd) = 82, p = 0.025] versus adolescent- (x¯â€¯= 24, sd = 36) or adult-onset groups (x¯â€¯= 29, sd = 61). Significant between-group differences were observed for generalized body movements (p = 0.0001) and ictal injury (p = 0.027), suggesting more severe ictal presentations in adult-onset PNES compared with younger ages. Adult-onset patients were also more likely to be taking an unnecessary antiepileptic medication (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: While PNES may present at any age, there appear to be notable differences across the lifespan with respect to some of the clinical characteristics. Further international and cross-cultural studies may reveal other interesting characteristics of PNES.

Dissociation between decision making under ambiguity and risk in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Decision making (DM) is one aspect of impulsivity that can be defined by the ability to decide between two or more options in a given situation. To date, there are at least two types of DM that differ in the level of uncertainty, and how much information about consequences is provided. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the two domains of DM - under risk and ambiguous - with a comprehensive evaluation in a group of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and correlate with patients' characteristics, clinical variables, and neuropsychological evaluation for executive functions. METHODS: We evaluated 35 patients with JME and 39 healthy controls using the Iowa Gambling Task for DM under ambiguity and the Game Dice Task for DM under risk. We assessed the performance in Iowa Gambling Task and Game Dice Task through net scores, safe and risky choices, besides the type of decisions across time. RESULTS: Patients with JME had a higher number of risky choices compared to controls in the Game Dice Task. There was no significant difference between patients and controls in the Iowa Gambling Task. However, patients with higher seizure frequency had worse scores on decks C and D (safe choices) from the Iowa Gambling Task. CONCLUSION: Patients with JME have worse performance on DM under risk. The same was not observed for DM under ambiguity. Epilepsy-related factors and the presence of psychiatric disorders, but not executive dysfunction, were associated with a lower tendency for safe choices. These findings showed a dissociation between DM processes in patients with JME and a tendency to make disadvantageous decisions with measurable risks.

Systematic review of the screening, diagnosis, and management of ADHD in children with epilepsy. Consensus paper of the Task Force on Comorbidities of the ILAE Pediatric Commission.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and challenging comorbidity affecting many children with epilepsy. A working group under the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Pediatric Commission identified key questions on the identification and management of ADHD in children with epilepsy. Systematic reviews of the evidence to support approaches to these questions were collated and graded using criteria from the American Academy of Neurology Practice Parameter. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) requirements were followed, with PROSPERO registration (CRD42018094617). No increased risk of ADHD in boys with epilepsy compared to girls with epilepsy was found (Level A). Valproate use in pregnancy is associated with inattentiveness and hyperactivity in offspring (1 class I study), and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased risk of ADHD (Level A). Impact of early seizure onset on development of ADHD was unclear (Level U), but more evident with poor seizure control (Level B). ADHD screening should be performed from 6 years of age, or at diagnosis, and repeated annually (Level U) and reevaluated after change of antiepileptic drug (AED) (Level U). Diagnosis should involve health practitioners with expert training in ADHD (Level U). Use of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire screening tool is supported (Level B). Formal cognitive testing is strongly recommended in children with epilepsy who are struggling at school (Level U). Behavioral problems are more likely with polytherapy than monotherapy (Level C). Valproate can exacerbate attentional issues in children with childhood absence epilepsy (Level A). Methylphenidate is tolerated and effective in children with epilepsy (Level B). Limited evidence supports that atomoxetine is tolerated (Level C). Multidisciplinary involvement in transition and adult ADHD clinics is essential (Level U). In conclusion, although recommendations could be proposed for some of the study questions, this systematic review highlighted the need for more comprehensive and targeted large-population prospective studies.

The relevance of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in self-limited childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the attentional and executive functions in patients with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared with controls and compared with patients with ADHD without epilepsy. We evaluated 12 patients with BCECTS and ADHD (66.7% boys; mean age of 9.67years); 11 children with non-ADHD BCECTS (63.6% boys; mean age of 11.91years); 20 healthy children (75% boys; mean age of 10.15years); and 20 subjects with ADHD without epilepsy (60% boys; mean age of 10.9years). We used a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to evaluate attentional and executive functions in their broad domains. Patients with BCECTS and ADHD had worse performance in Conners' Continuous Performance Test II (reaction time standard error [p=0.008], variability [p=0.033], perseverations [p=0.044] and in reaction time interstimuli interval [p=0.016]). Patients with ADHD showed worse performance in Trail Making Test B errors [p=0.012]. In conclusion, patients with BCECTS and ADHD had worse executive and attentional performance compared with controls than non-ADHD patients with BCECTS. Regardless of the presence of epilepsy, ADHD also negatively impacted executive and attentional functions but in different executive subdomains compared with patients with epilepsy.

The executive profile of children with Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

RATIONALE: Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) represent two distinct models of focal epilepsy of childhood. In both, there is evidence of executive dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to identify particular deficits in the executive function that would distinguish children with BECTS from children with TLE. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 19 consecutive children and adolescents with TLE with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) (57.9% male; mean 11.74years [SD 2.05]; mean IQ 95.21 [SD 15.09]), 19 with BECTS (36.8% male; mean 10.95years [SD 2.33]; mean IQ 107.40 [SD 16.01]), and 21 age and gender-matched controls (33.3% male; mean 11.86years [SD 2.25]; mean IQ 108.67 [15.05]). All participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment with a comprehensive battery for executive and attentional functions. We used ANOVA and chi-square to evaluate differences on demographic aspects among groups (BECTS, TLE-HS, and control groups). Group comparisons on continuous variables were complemented by MANOVA and Bonferroni posthoc comparisons. RESULTS: Patients with BECTS had worse performance than controls in: Matching Familiar Figures Test, time (p=0.001); Matching Familiar Figures Test, time×errors index (p<0.001); Verbal Fluency for foods (p=0.038); Trail Making Test, part B time (p=0.030); Trail Making Test, part B number of errors (p=0.030); and WCST, number of categories achieved (p=0.043). Patients with BECTS had worse performance than patients with TLE-HS on Matching Familiar Figures Test, time (p=0.004), and Matching Familiar Figures Test, time×errors index (p<0.001). Patients with TLE-HS had worse performance than controls on the following tests: Verbal Fluency for foods (p=0.004); Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the number of categories achieved (p<0.001); and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the number of perseverative errors (p=0.028). Patients with TLE-HS had worse performance than patients with BECTS on Digit Backward (p=0.002); and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the number of perseverative errors (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TLE and BECTS present distinct cognitive profiles. Patients with TLE-HS had worse performance in mental flexibility, concept formation, and working memory compared to BECTS. Patients with BECTS had worse inhibitory control compared to children with TLE-HS. Both TLE-HS and BECTS had a higher number of errors on an inhibitory control test. However, patients with BECTS had a slower mental processing even when compared to patients with TLE-HS. Rehabilitation programs for children with epilepsy must include children with benign epilepsies and must take into account the epileptic syndrome and its particular neurocognitive phenotype.

Everyday memory impairment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) have episodic memory impairment. Memory has rarely been evaluated using an ecologic measure, even though performance on these tests is more related to patients' memory complaints. We aimed to measure everyday memory of patients with TLE-HS to age- and gender-matched controls. METHODS: We evaluated 31 patients with TLE-HS and 34 healthy controls, without epilepsy and psychiatric disorders, using the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT), Visual Reproduction (WMS-III) and Logical Memory (WMS-III). We evaluated the impact of clinical variables such as the age of onset, epilepsy duration, AED use, history of status epilepticus, and seizure frequency on everyday memory. Statistical analyses were performed using MANCOVA with years of education as a confounding factor. RESULTS: Patients showed worse performance than controls on traditional memory tests and in the overall score of RBMT. Patients had more difficulties to recall names, a hidden belonging, to deliver a message, object recognition, to remember a story full of details, a previously presented short route, and in time and space orientation. Clinical epilepsy variables were not associated with RBMT performance. Memory span and working memory were correlated with worse performance on RBMT. SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with TLE-HS demonstrated deficits in everyday memory functions. A standard neuropsychological battery, designed to assess episodic memory, would not evaluate these impairments. Impairment in recalling names, routes, stories, messages, and space/time disorientation can adversely impact social adaptation, and we must consider these ecologic measures with greater attention in the neuropsychological evaluation of patients with memory complaints.

The approach to patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in epilepsy surgery centers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and education.

Previous studies, using surveys, provided an understanding about how health-care providers address patients with PNES. To date, there is limited information on the management of patients with PNES by tertiary referral centers for epilepsy. In this study, we surveyed 11 Brazilian epilepsy center directors about diagnosis, treatment, education and research on PNES. Respondents reported that patients with PNES represented 10-20% of all adult patients recorded by video-EEG (VEEG). All respondents recognized VEEG as the method to confirm the diagnosis, and 81.8% used this approach for confirmation. Most centers had a standard protocol for diagnosis. None of the centers had a particular protocol to treat PNES, but 90.9% had a uniform treatment approach including therapy and educational measures. Psychotherapy was not easily obtained in nine centers (81.8%). Seven (63.3%) centers reported ongoing research projects with PNES. Five centers referred to an educational PNES program discussing diagnosis, but only one reported an educational program for treatment. This study showed a commitment to PNES diagnosis; however, some gaps remain regarding treatment and training, namely implementing a psychotherapy approach for patients and providing educational curricula for clinicians.

Delineating behavioral and cognitive phenotypes in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Are we missing the forest for the trees?

INTRODUCTION: Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) have executive dysfunction and impulsive traits. There are lines of evidence that JME is a heterogeneous epilepsy syndrome considering outcome. In this study, we aimed to analyze this heterogeneity beyond seizure control. The objective was to identify whether the pattern of cognitive dysfunction and impulse control is also heterogeneous, in an attempt to establish possible differences in patients with easy- and hard-to-control epilepsies. METHODS: Essentially, 57 patients with JME were compared with 44 controls. Patients and controls were assessed with a neuropsychological battery for executive, attention, and memory functions. The expression of impulsive traits was evaluated with the Temperament and Character Inventory - novelty seeking domain. Then, patients were categorized according to seizure control as having easy- and hard-to-control JME. RESULTS: Patients with hard-to-control JME showed worse performance in 12 out of 25 neuropsychological tests than those with easy-to-control JME. Patients with hard-to-control JME also demonstrated significantly higher scores in novelty seeking - subfactor impulsiveness (p=0.002). SIGNIFICANCE: Our study demonstrated the existence of distinct or more severe cognitive and psychiatric profiles in a subset of patients with JME. Patients with treatment-refractory seizures seem to present a broader impairment related to both cognitive deficits and impulsive traits. These findings suggest that patients with JME are not equally compromised by executive and memory deficits or dysfunction, neither by their impulsive traits. Thus, there is a need for a better characterization of patients with JME to include diverse phenotypes since our results suggest a possible existence of distinct groups of patients with JME.

Decision-making in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Delay gratification ability is not impaired in patients with hippocampal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Decision-making abilities have rarely been examined in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy related to hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). We aimed to investigate the ability to delay gratification, a decision-making subdomain, in patients with intractable TLE-HS and to verify the association of delay gratification performance and cool executive function tests. METHODS: We evaluated 27 patients with TLE-HS (mean age: 35.46 [±13.31] years; 7 males) and their cognitive performance was compared with that of 27 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 35.33 [±12.05] years; 7 males), without epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Patients were assessed using the delay discounting task (DDT) and tests of attention, shifting, inhibitory control, and concept formation. Results were correlated with clinical epilepsy variables such as age of onset, epilepsy duration, AED use, history of status epilepticus, febrile seizures, and the presence of generalized seizures. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANCOVA with years of education as a confounding factor. RESULTS: Patients and controls demonstrated similar performance on DDT, showing similar discount rate (p=0.935) and probability rate (p=0.585). Delay gratification was not related to cool executive function tests (Digit Span, Stroop Color Test, Trail Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Connors' CPT). History of status epilepticus, presence of generalized seizures and higher seizure frequency, age at onset, and epilepsy duration had a significant impact on DDT. CONCLUSION: Patients with intractable TLE-HS showed unimpaired delay gratification abilities, being able to accept a higher delay and a lower amount of chance for receiving a higher reward in the future. Clinical variables related to the epilepsy severity impacted the performance on delay gratification. Impairment on cool aspects of executive function was unrelated to this decision-making domain.

Standard medical care for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in Brazil.

Knowledge about health systems can promote implementation of more specific and strategic health practices for patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). For this purpose, we surveyed the current management of PNES (standard medical care [SMC]) by Brazilian League Against Epilepsy members. Respondents reported diagnosing PNES with a mean frequency of 3patients/month. Video-EEG (vEEG) was considered the best method for the diagnosis. Respondents who have vEEG in their facilities refer to vEEG significantly more often than those who have no vEEG (p<0.001). Therefore, South and Southeast Brazil regions referred patients more frequently to vEEG than other regions (p=0.004). Psychotherapy was considered the most effective (92.2%) treatment option, followed by education (75%) and psychopharmacology (70.3%). There were no regional differences considering treatment. The study identified current national diagnostic and treatment practices across the country and identified relevant Brazilian regional differences.

Distinct domains of impulsivity are impaired in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy but not in temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is the most widely used questionnaire to study impulsivity in persons with psychiatric disorders, but it has rarely been applied to persons with epilepsy. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of BIS-11 as a tool to explore impulsivity in two distinct epilepsy syndromes. METHOD: The BIS-11 was applied to 20 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) (32.5±8.95years old), 20 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) (37.7±13.25years old), and 26 healthy controls (31.86±11.25years old). The scores in motor, attentional, and lack of planning impulsivity were compared between groups. RESULTS: Patients with JME showed higher scores than patients with TLE and controls in all domains: motor (JME vs TLE: 28.60 vs 13.25 (mean score), p<0.001 and JME vs controls: 28.60 vs 14.12, p<0.001), attentional (JME vs TLE: 21.55 vs 13.45, p<0.001 and JME vs controls: 21.55 vs 14.88, p<0.001) and nonplanning (JME vs TLE: 28.05 vs 13.10, p<0.001 and JME vs controls: 28.05 vs 16.15, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher BIS-11 scores in all domains of impulsivity [i.e., motor, attentional, and lack of planning] corroborated previous findings described in patients with JME. On the other hand, BIS-11 could not demonstrate problem solving and inhibitory control deficits related to impulsive behavior, which were described in patients with TLE. Other behavioral measures may be more sensitive to some aspects of impulsivity in TLE. Our results reinforce the concept that distinct epileptic syndromes require different neuropsychological approaches, especially considering a complex construct such as impulsivity.

Temporal lobe epilepsy in children: executive and mnestic impairments.

The current definition of epilepsy emphasizes the importance of cognitive impairment for a complete understanding of the disorder. Cognitive deficits have distinct functional manifestations that differentially impact the daily life experiences of children and adolescents with epilepsy and are a particular concern as they frequently impair academic performance. In particular, memory impairment and executive dysfunction are common disabilities in adults with temporal lobe epilepsy but are less easily recognized and studied in the pediatric population. This review focuses on the consequences of early-onset temporal lobe epilepsy for the development of memory and executive function and discusses current theories to explain these deficits.