Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-dk4vv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T06:42:53.472Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Effect of epilepsy on psychomotor function in children with uncomplicated epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2005

S Boelen
Affiliation:
Department of Behavioural Science and Psychological Services, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
S Nieuwenhuis
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
L Steenbeek
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
H Veldwijk
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
M van de Ven-Verest
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
IY Tan
Affiliation:
Department of Long-stay Providentia, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands.
AP Aldenkamp
Affiliation:
Department of Behavioural Science and Psychological Services, Epilepsy Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands. Department of Neurology, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Get access

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of epilepsy on motor function in children. We aimed to analyze the effect in uncomplicated epilepsies (cryptogenic partial and idiopathic generalized epilepsy). A group of 87 children with epilepsy (47 males, 40 females; mean age 8y, standard deviation [SD] 1y 9mo, range 4y 11mo to 12y 11mo), but without learning disability or other neurological comorbid disorders, was compared with a control group of 107 children (76 males, 31 females; mean age 8y 4mo, SD 2y 2mo, range 4y 7mo to 12y 2mo). The differences in main motor skills and psychomotor speed were analyzed using the Movement ABC and computerized measures for simple reaction times and finger tapping. No significant difference in motor function was found. The overall psychomotor development of children with epilepsy is comparable to controls. However, a significant slowing of psychomotor speed in the group with epilepsy was reported. No relation with antiepileptic drug treatment was demonstrated and no difference in psychomotor speed between different types of epilepsy was found. The existence of a condition leading to excessive neuronal discharge leads to a general cortical inhibition. The slowing of psychomotor speed in children with uncomplicated epilepsy may be the behavioural presentation of this inhibition.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2005 Mac Keith Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)