Executive dysfunction in patients with idiopathic epilepsy

Background: Idiopathic epilepsy is defined as disorder in which there is no underlying cause or structural pathology other than a possible hereditary predisposition for generating seizures which can be generalized or focal in nature. Objective: To study the occurrence of executive dysfunction in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and its association with age, gender, seizure type, duration of epilepsy, age at seizure onset, antiepileptic drug therapy and seizure control &the association of the interictal EEG pattern. Materials and methods: 100 cases of epileptic patients with normal CT scan brain / MRI brain were studied. Frontal Assessment Battery &The Executive Interview (EXIT) were used to assess the executive functions. Results: The FAB score were normal in 46% and abnormal in 54% of the cases. Executive dysfunction as per the FAB score was mild in 32% and moderately severe in 22% of the cases. Impairment in Executive function as per EXIT score was mild in 84% and moderate in 16 % of the cases. Executive Dysfunction was more in cases with either primary or secondarily generalized seizures, cases with a higher seizure frequency, longer duration of epilepsy, uncontrolled epilepsy and seen in 17.5% with normal and 10% cases with an abnormal EEG. Conclusion: Our study found a significant proportion of patients with idiopathic epilepsy have Executive Dysfunction, which adds to the seizure burden by reducing the capacity of an individual to successfully engage in self-care, social, academic and occupational pursuits.