Research Article - Current Pediatric Research (2021) Volume 25, Issue 12

Cognitive and ADHD disorders in benign epilepsy with Centrotemporal spikes: An Egyptian study

Background: Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is the most common type of focal epilepsy in children as it accounts for 15% to 25% of epilepsy in children. It is associated with neuropsychological problems which are suspected to be related to spike-wave index, the site of epileptiform discharge, age at onset, and seizures frequency. Therefore, we aimed to study the incidence of the problems associated with BECTS as ADHD, and cognitive disorders and to detect their relation to seizure criteria. Methods: At Assiut University Children Hospital from August 2018 to December 2020, 80 children, ages 3-14 years, were identified to have BECTS. Full history was taken. A complete examination, prolonged sleep EEG, ADHD-SC4 test, IQ assessment were done for all patients. Results: Mentally retarded was detected in 28.6 % of BECTS patients. Cognitive disorders are more common in BECTS patients with more frequent seizures, mixed diurnal, and nocturnal seizures, and higher SWI (P-value < 0.001). We did not find a relationship between cognitive disorder and the age at onset of seizures, sex, or laterality of epileptic focus in EEG. ADHD was detected in 72.5% of BECTS patients. The inattentive type was present in 16.25% of patients, the hyperactivity impulsive type in 11.25%, combined ADHD in 45%. Conclusions: Mentally retarded was detected in 28.6 % of BECTS patients, ADHD was detected in 72.5% of BECTS patients. The inattentive type was present in 16.25% of patients, the hyperactivity impulsive type in 11.25%, combined ADHD in 45%.

Author(s): Khalaf Abdelaal Sayed*, Gamal Ali Abdelal, Nafisa Hassan Refat, Eman Fathala Gad

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