Cognitive Outcomes in Partial Seizures

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has joined eight other pediatric neurology programs in studying the cognitive outcomes in children treated for partial seizures. The hospital has enrolled 14 children in the COPE (Cognitive Outcomes in Partial Seizures) study since June. The study currently has 35 children enrolled and 129 screened.

Children presenting to the Emergency Department with new onset partial seizures are referred to New Onset Seizure Clinic for neurological evaluation within one to three days. Children that have had two or more partial seizures are then eligible for enrollment into the COPE study. Baseline neuropsychology testing is preformed within one to three days and at that time the child is randomized onto one of three antiepileptic medications. Neuropsychological testing is then repeated at three months and again at six months to assess cognitive functioning.

“By partnering with the Emergency Department, we’re able to see new onset seizure patients quickly to begin treatment. This collaboration has resulted in not only the enrollment of 14 patients, but will contribute to our understanding of how these medications affect the cognitive functions of patients with partial seizures on a larger scale,” said Nurse Practitioner Lauren Siebrase, who staffs the New Onset Seizure Clinic.