Neurocognitive Evaluation in Epilepsy Patients treated with Monotheraphy: A Preliminary Report

• Published in: Archives of Epilepsy Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 51 - 54
• Main Author: Evlice, Ahmet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Galenos Yayinevi 01.01.2016
• Subjects: carbamazepine; epilepsy; neurocognitive evaluation; valproic acid
• ISSN: 1300-7157; 2792-0550
• DOI: 10.14744/epilepsi.2016.18894

Objectives:The present study evaluated neurocognitive profile of patients with epilepsy treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA).Methods:Epilepsy patients who were treated with CBZ and VPA at outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2015 and a healthy control group were included in the study. Neurocognitive findings (mini-mental state examination [MMSE], clock-drawing test, verbal and visual memory tests, digit span test, verbal fluency test) of the groups were compared.Results:Thirty patients with epilepsy treated with CBZ (n=17) and VPA (n=13) and healthy control group (n=21) were included in the study. Clock drawing test score was lower in CBZ group (p=0.024) and forward digit span test score was lower in VPA group (p=0.039) than the healthy controls. There was no significant difference in neurocognitive findings between CBZ and VPA groups.Conclusion:The lack of difference in cognitive findings between CBZ and VPA groups suggests that when beginning treatment, the choice of antiepileptic drug should be determined based on type of seizure.