INTRODUCTION:

          The cognitive effects of epilepsy are unique for each patient. Cognitive assessment is particularly indicated to provide an accurate characterization of patients with cognitive deficits. Hence we undertook the study on cognitive impairment in epilepsy.

AIM:

          To study the burden of Cognitive Impairment in Epilepsy.

METHODS:

          This is a prospective study done in Epilepsy division of Institute of Neurology, Madras Medical College from July 2014 to June 2015. AddenBrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) – (Final Revised Version) – were used for cognitive assessment.

RESULTS:

This study is done in 100 patients with Epilepsy on Antiepileptic drugs (AED).
Males =  63% – Mean age (41.15^(w), 37.52^(p)). Females = 37% – Mean age (38.38^(w), 32.36^(p)). (w–well controlled, p–poorly controled). Statistical analysis revealed significant cognitive impairment in poorly controlled epilepsy group (AED Monotherapy [p<0.005] AED polytherapy [p<0.026] and Impairment of attention and orientation [p<0.0001], Memory [p<0.0001], Fluency [p<0.0001], Language [p<0.0001], and visuospatial function [p<0.001]. Well controlled group showed no significant cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION:

          Poorly controlled epilepsy status has statistically significant Impairment in cognitive function and hence we should aim to achieve good seizure control to prevent cognitive problem.