Correlation between language impairment and problems in motor development in children with rolandic epilepsy

ObjectiveAn association between impaired school performance and rolandic epilepsy is frequently reported. Language outcome, in particular, seems to be affected, although rolandic epilepsy originates from the motor-sensory cortex. In this study we tried to find a correlation between locomotion problems and language impairment.MethodsIn this noncontrolled, open, clinical cohort study of 48 children with rolandic epilepsy, a 24-hour EEG and a neuropsychological assessment were obtained for all children.ResultsChildren with rolandic epilepsy had a significant delay in reading skills (reading words: mean = 6 months, SD = 11.9, P < 0.002; reading sentences: mean = 8.6 months, SD = 12.7, P < 0.001), compared with the healthy population. There was a significant correlation between problems in motor development and delays in reading skills (reading words: r = − 0.426, P = 0.006; reading sentences: r = − 0.343, P = 0.03).ConclusionReading performance is impaired in children with rolandic epilepsy. Reading of sentences is more impaired than reading of words. There is a significant correlation between problems in motor development and language, suggesting their interaction at the level of the cortex.

► Children with rolandic epilepsy had a significant delay in reading skills compared with the healthy population. ► There was a significant correlation between problems in motor development and delays in reading skills. ► This correlation suggests an interaction of both at the level of the cortex.