[P1-57] Risk factors for neuropsychological impairment in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Background: Methods: In a retrospective cohort of 36 children with BECTS, we compared the electroclinical features of 25 who were neuropsychologically normal (Group1) and 11 who developed impairments (Group2) consisting of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in all 11 with additional language disturbances in 6. Results: Median onset age was younger in Group2 than Group1 (4 vs. 8 years), and median epilepsy duration was longer (6.5 vs. 2 years) (p<0.001). Most patients with onset age <5 years and especially those with >5-year duration were in Group2, while most patients with onset age >5 years and <5-year duration fell into Group1 (p<0.001). A greater proportion of Group2 took >1 anticonvulsant (36% vs. 4%, p<0.05). Classical or atypical benign epileptiform discharges of childhood (BEDC) were frequent in both groups, but were the only EEG abnormality in half of Group1 vs. none of Group2 (p<0.01). A greater proportion of Group2 had multiregional epileptiform abnormalities (73% vs. 8%), regional intermittent slow activity (91% vs. 16%), or both (73% vs. none) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Possible risk factors for neuropsychological impairments in BECTS include onset age <5 years, >5-year epilepsy duration, taking >1 anticonvulsant, multiregional epileptiform abnormalities, and regional intermittent slow activity. Features against these complications may include onset age >5 years and EEG disclosing only BEDC. Risk factor identification might guide potentially beneficial cognitive and educational intervention.
No conflicts of interest or funding to disclose
No conflicts of interest or funding to disclose