Epilepsy - Outlook and Effects

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Effect on Memory and Learning. The studies on the effects of seizures on memory and learning vary widely and depend on many factors.

• A 2001 study reported greater mental flexibility and memory capacity in some children with a history of febrile seizures compared to peers who did not have these seizures. Children with a history of febrile seizures before age 1, however, were at higher risk for some learning deficits.
• A number of studies have demonstrated no diminished intelligence in patients with epilepsy that occurs in the left temporal lobe (the left side of the brain where most complex partial types occur). A 2000 study suggested, however, that it may affect long-term memory. Patients with seizures originating on the left side of the brain may also have less well-developed language skills than those with right-side epilepsy.
• A 2001 study suggested that children with generalized epilepsy who have petit mal (absence) seizures tend to retain their language skills and verbal memory, but some may have poorer testing scores, problems with nonverbal memory, and a slower recall of events.

In general, the earlier a child has seizures and the more extensive the area of the brain affected, the poorer the outcome. Children with seizures that are not well-controlled are at higher risk for intellectual decline.

Social and Behavioral Consequences. Studies have noted that children with epilepsy perform worse on behavioral tests than do other children. In a 2000 study, girls with severe epilepsy had the highest rate of behavioral problems (and they worsened over time) compared to boys and girls with mild or moderate epilepsy and all children with asthma, another chronic illness. In another study, although there were no differences in intelligence, adults with previous epilepsy (even if they no longer had seizures) were less likely to attain higher-education degrees. They were slightly more likely to be unemployed, unmarried, and childless compared to the general population.

Effects of Epilepsy in Adults

Chance for Recurrence. Adults whose first episode occurs when they are over 59 years of age have a higher risk for recurring seizures than do younger adults. Some studies have indicated that recurrence is least likely in adults with the following combination of factors:

• A primary generalized seizure
• A seizure-free period of between 2 - 5 years
• A normal EEG reading
• A single-drug treatment