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Neuropediatrics 2006; 37(6): 317-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-964997
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Deficit in Memory Consolidation (Abnormal Forgetting Rate) in Childhood Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Pre and Postoperative Long-Term Observation

S. Cronel-Ohayon1 , P. Zesiger1 , 2 , V. Davidoff1 , A. Boni1 , E. Roulet1 , T. Deonna1
  • 1Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Psychology, Univesity of Geneva, Uni-Mail, Geneva, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

Received: March 23, 2006

Accepted after Revision: January 30, 2007

Publication Date:
14 March 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Deficits in memory consolidation have been reported in adult patients with epilepsy but, not to our knowledge, in children. We report the long-term follow-up (9 y. o. to 18 y. o.) of a boy who suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy and underwent a left temporal lobectomy with amygdalo-hippocampal resection at the age of 10. He showed an abnormal forgetting rate when trying to encode new information and a significant deficit for retrieving remote episodic memories (when compared with his twin brother), both consistent with a consolidation disorder. His memory condition slightly improved after cessation of the epilepsy, nevertheless did not normalize. No standard memory assessment could pinpoint his memory problem, hence an adapted methodology was needed. We discuss the nature of the memory deficit, its possible causes and its clinical implications.

Key words

Memory - temporal lobe epilepsy - child - consolidation

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Thierry Deonna

Unité de Neuropédiatrie, CHUV

1011 Lausanne

Switzerland

Email: Thierry.Deonna@chuv.ch

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