J Korean Child Neurol Soc.  2010 Nov;18(2):206-213.

Cognitive and Behavioral Problems and the Effectiveness of Topiramate Once per Day in the Control of Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes

• Kim YM
• Kim HD
• Lee JS
• Kang HC

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was aimed to evaluate cognitive and behavioral problems in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) using objective scales. In addition, we investigated the efficacy and cognitive effects of topiramate by introducing it once a day as a pilot study.
METHODS
Seven patients were evaluated. They were diagnosed as BECTS based on clinical features and electroencephalography findings. We assessed cognitive and behavioral functions with several neuropsychological tests and followed up the seizure frequency, side effects, and cognitive dysfunction for six months after introducing topiramate once per day.
RESULTS
The mean intelligence quotient, memory quotient, and social quotient of patients show the difference as compared to the general population. However, three patients showed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Further, the seizure reduction rate was 100% after receiving topiramate once a day and there were no newly reported neuropsychological problems on questionnaires.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that a significant number of children with BECTS have behavioral problems and that topiramate monotherapy once a day is effective.

Keyword

Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes; Cognition; Behavior; Topiramate

MeSH Terms

Child
Cognition
Electroencephalography
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, Rolandic
Fructose
Humans
Intelligence
Memory
Neuropsychological Tests
Seizures
Weights and Measures
Fructose