Epilepsy: role of neuropsychological evaluation

Cognitive deficits are frequent in epileptic patients and can be considered epileptic behavioural markers. They are assessed by neuropsychological exploration, which requires the use of standardized psychometric tests. The neuropsychological data obtained complement the information provided by other perisurgical investigations. In addition to the indications concerning lateralization and the extent of the cerebral dysfunction, neuropsychological findings can assist in anticipating the possible cognitive risks resulting from surgical treatment. Finally, these results are indispensable to implementing neuropsychological rehabilitation, which should be proposed before and/or after surgery, when necessary, to patients involved in a surgical program for epilepsy.