Cognitive and neurodevelopmental effects of antiepileptic drugs

• Authors: Rebecca L. Bromley, University of Manchester; Beth Leeman, Emory University; Gus A. Baker, University of Liverpool; Kimford Meador, Emory University
• Journal Title: Epilepsy and Behavior
• Volume: Volume 22, Number 1
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2011-09-01, Pages 9-16
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.04.009
• Subjects: Biology, Neuroscience; Psychology, Cognitive; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Behavioral Sciences; Clinical Neurology; Psychiatry; Neurosciences & Neurology; Epilepsy; Cognitive dysfunction; Pregnancy; Neurodevelopment; Antiepileptic drugs; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; TEMPORAL-LOBE EPILEPSY; IN-UTERO EXPOSURE; FOCAL INTERICTAL SPIKES; WORKING-MEMORY LOAD; GAMMA-BAND; EPILEPTIFORM ACTIVITY; PRENATAL EXPOSURE; CHILDREN BORN; REACTION-TIME

Abstract

This article primarily represents the contributions of two young investigators to the understanding of the neuropsychological consequences of epilepsy and its treatment. The authors have reviewed two key areas of importance: the complex relationship between cognitive dysfunction and epilepsy and the risks of cognitive dysfunction in children as a consequence of in utero exposure to antiepileptic drug treatment. The work of two young investigators is presented and future research needs are outlined.