The Observation Of Cognitive Dysfunction In Epilepsy Patients

Objective: To evaluate the cognitive function in epilepsy patients with Wechsler intelligence scale and to analyze influence factors on cognitive function by comparing intelligence quotient(IQ). The factors include invasion age of patients with epilepsy, course of epilepsy, seizure frequency, type of seizure, score of Hamilton anxiety scale, examination of electroencephalogram and computed tomography(CT). Furthermore, to explore new therapy to reduce cognitive dysfunction of patients with epilepsy.Methods : 100 patients with epilepsy diagnosed by the criteria (1981) of international League Against Epilepsy. They were divided two groups: 50 adults and 50 children. 40 healthy people (20 adults 20 children) were assessed as controls. All were arranged for the Wechsler intelligence scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, electroencephalogram and computed tomography(CT). They were registered for their age, course of disease, seizure frequency, type of seizure, abnormal manifestation of electroencephalogram. These factors were analyzed for cognitive dysfunction of patients with epilepsy.Results: 1 .Epilepsy patients had lower FIQ (full-scale intelligence) and PIQ(performance intelligence quotient) than the healthy controls with significant difference(*P<0.05, **P<0.01). 2.Generlized seizures patients had lower FIQ And PIQ than partial seizure patients. Those patients who had electrical discharge during seizure interval had lower FIQ than patients without electricla discharge. 3. Both of patients with normal IQ and abnormal IQ have no deference in invasion age and course of epilepsy (P>0.05), but abnormal IQ patients have higher seizure frequency or score with Hamilton anxious scale(P<0.01). 4.Taking following factors as independent variable: invasion age, course of epilepsy, seizure frequency, type of seizure, score of Hamilton anxiety scale, having epileptiform discharges or not, etc, then taking FIQ as variable, we made a reression analysis. The results indicated that invasion age and course of epilepsy had negative correlation with FIQ. But seizure frequency, type of seizure, epileptiform discharges during seizure interval and anxiety degree,had apparent correlation with FIQ.Conclusion: 1. Intelligence quotient(IQ) and cognitive function of patients with epilepsy are lower than those of the healthy population .2. Seizure frequency, type of seizure, electrical discharge during seizure interval and anxiety have great influence on IQ and cognitive function.