Specific learning disorder in the primary epilepsies of childhood.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of learning disorders in children with idiopathic epilepsy.

METHODS

The study enrolled 16 children with idiopathic epilepsy, 8 with absence and 8 with rolandic epilepsy. This was a standardized neuropsychological assessment with particular attention to learning performance (reading and writing skills/number processing).

RESULTS

Fourteen out of 16 subjects resulted with a specific learning disability, although specific patterns have not been identified.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the higher incidence of learning disorder in children with epilepsy (in front of normal prevalence, 2-10%). The importance of complete neuropsychological evaluation in children with focal or generalized epilepsy was highlighted.