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

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.