Neuropsychology Evaluation- Adults, page 1 Chapter 91 Neuropsychology Evaluation- Adults

Neuropsychological impairments are common in many epilepsy syndromes, and are related to clinical factors such as seizure frequency and severity, age of seizure onset, as well as the underlying pathologic substrate. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to provide a comprehensive review of all epilepsy syndromes and their patterns of neuropsychological impairment. However, there are several consistent neuropsychological principles that we will highlight. As described by Hughlings Jackson, there are significant and independent contributions of both static and dynamic factors that affect brain function, and by extension, neuropsychological abilities. Morphological or structural lesions are associated with relatively non-modifiable neuropsychological deficits. In contrast, EEG discharges, seizures, and epilepsy treatment are associated with more dynamic brain changes that, to varying degrees, are modifiable and are under direct physician management. Depending on epilepsy type (idiopathic vs. symptomatic), the relative contributions of specific factors will differ. Disentangling the stable and dynamic cognitive influences in epilepsy ofte