Affiliations: The Institute of Neurological Sciences, Voluntary
Health Services Medical Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil
Nadu, India
Note: [] Corresponding author. The Institute of Neurological Sciences,
Voluntary Health Services Medical Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 013, India. Tel.: +91 95000 10060; E-mail: esk@nsig.org
Abstract: Disturbances in cognitive function, particularly memory, are a
common complaint of patients with epilepsy. Factors contributing to cognitive
dysfunction are the type of epilepsy, type and frequency of seizures,
anti-epileptic drugs and the location of underlying brain lesions. Whilst a
great deal of attention has been paid to permanent cognitive impairment, the
nature and underlying mechanisms of ictal and peri-ictal cognitive changes are
poorly understood. In-depth investigation of seizure related cognitive
dysfunction is of great clinical relevance, as these changes are potentially
reversible and treatable, thus reducing the cumulative effect of frequent
seizures Greater knowledge of peri-ictal and ictal cognitive dysfunction would
improve seizure prediction, localization of seizure focus and assessment of
treatment effectiveness, greatly reducing distress and disability. This paper
will review current understanding of peri-ictal and ictal cognitive dysfunction
and discuss future directions for research.
