Intelligence Quotient is Not Affected by Epilepsy Surgery in Childhood

Epilepsy surgery is known to help children with intractable seizures. The effect of epilepsy surgery itself on cognition in childhood is less well studied. We report our experience at the University of Alberta Hospital on the effects of epilepsy surgery on cognition. All children undergoing epilepsy surgery at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program from 1990-2005 were examined. Sixty-seven patients received both preoperative and postoperative neuropsychologic evaluations. We compared verbal, performance, and full scale intelligent quotients and the Child Behavioral Checklist preoperatively and postoperatively. Forty-eight patients demonstrated excellent surgical outcomes, with significant reductions in disabling seizures. Overall, no significant change occurred in neuropsychologic parameters examined after surgery. Epilepsy surgery in childhood offers excellent surgical outcomes for seizure control, and does not adversely affect intelligence quotient.