Additional information
by M. Canal Frechilla (Author)
To date, little research has been conducted to the effects of epilepsy on cognitive and language issues. This study is a response to this knowledge gap. A careful matched-subject, mixed-factors description, designed to identify cognitive decline during the process and treatment of this illness. The research is focused on description and exploration, of linguistic considerations in Rolandic epilepsy. Rolandic epilepsy, is also known as Benign focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECS). The intention is to shed light from a neurolinguistic perspective, on reasons that might underline cognitive and behavioral complications, in children with epilepsy. This study has been approached corroborating 'structural connectivity', which defines language network in the brain. The rational derives from research of neurological data, from prestigious neurological and scientific international journals, on the topic that illustrates our case. Conclusions are based upon careful evaluation on how epilepsy affects cognitive skills, and language issues upon observations drawn on results. Deficits in language patterns have been associated to different brain areas, in patients who suffer from different pathologies. Degenerative illnesses have opened a milestone in the study on reasons leading to cognitive decline, in children affected from "Benign childhood epilepsy". Medical history has been well documented to current day. Lack of consistent information internationally recognized on cognitive issues toughen consensus on best medical procedure to follow, in best interest of the child. Our research confronted this shortage of information, in the light of the new literature coming through. Overall, the results indicate that when working with language skills in people with epilepsy or with degenerative diseases, clinicians should account for the presence of anti-epileptic medication or amalgamation of medications as possible cause of cognitive decline.
