Social cognition and prefrontal cognitive function in patients with epilepsy treated with eslicarbazepine acetate

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of treatment with eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) on social cognition and prefrontal cognitive function in adults with partial onset seizures. Methods: A prospective, single-center, interventional study was conducted in patients aged 18 to 65 years with focal seizures, who received ESL. All patients were assessed using Theory of Mind (ToM) tasks (Eyes test and Faux Pas Recognition test), and evaluation of attentional and executive functions (Wisconsin Card Sorting test [WCST], Symbol Digit, Forward and Backward Digit Span, and Stroop tests), auditory-verbal memory (recognition and total learning memory test), quality of life (QOLIE-31 questionnaire), and anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). Patients were evaluated before and at 6 months after starting ESL.