Neuropsychological results in pediatric patients with epilepsy surgery in the parietal cortex

This study evaluated pre- and postoperatively cognitive functions in 15 pediatric patients with surgically treated parietal lobe epilepsy (PLE). Seizure outcome was very satisfying with 87% seizure-free patients 1 year after surgery, and 82% in the long-term follow-up. Preoperative intelligence was in the subaverage range. Impairments in specific cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive functions) were evident preoperatively for 39-66% of patients. Behavioral disorders were rare. No side differences (left versus right PLE) were indicated pre- or postoperatively. Postoperative improvements were found in behavior and attention; other cognitive functions were unchanged. All in all, this preliminary study indicated a satisfactory neuropsychological outcome in pediatric patients with PLE.