ReviewTemporal lobe epilepsy in children: Executive and mnestic impairments

- Cognitive deficits frequently impair academic performance in children with epilepsy.
- Memory impairment and executive dysfunction are less studied in the pediatric population.
- Episodic memory and semantic memory are impaired in children with temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Executive dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy represents a widespread involvement.
- Cognitive deficits show that treatment beyond seizure elimination appear to be mandatory.

The current definition of epilepsy emphasizes the importance of cognitive impairment for a complete understanding of the disorder. Cognitive deficits have distinct functional manifestations that differentially impact the daily life experiences of children and adolescents with epilepsy and are a particular concern as they frequently impair academic performance. In particular, memory impairment and executive dysfunction are common disabilities in adults with temporal lobe epilepsy but are less easily recognized and studied in the pediatric population. This review focuses on the consequences of early-onset temporal lobe epilepsy for the development of memory and executive function and discusses current theories to explain these deficits.