The effect of carbamazepine monotherapy on Intelligence in children with idiopathic epilepsy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Faculty of Medicine – Minia University

2 Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine – Minia University

Abstract

Introduction: Effective treatment of epilepsy depends on medication compliance across a lifetime. 
Various studies indicate that drug tolerability is a significant limiting factor in medication 
maintenance. Available antiepileptic drugs have the potential to induce detrimental effects on 
cognitive function and therefore compromise patient wellbeing. On the other hand, some agents may 
serve to enhance cognitive function. Aim: To study the impact of some antiepileptic drugs on 
intellectual functions of idiopathic epileptic children. Methods: 15 children recently diagnosed with 
idiopathic epilepsy aged 3-17 years were included. All patients underwent full clinical and 
neurological examination, electroencephalography, brain CT and intelligence testing. The patients 
were treated with carbamazepine (CBZ). The Stanford-Binet – Fifth Edition (SB5) was applied before 
administration of CBZ, six months and 12 months after the start of antiepileptic therapy. Results: 
Epileptic children receiving CBZ had significantly impaired intellectual functions after 6 months and 
12 months of monotherapy. Conclusion: Carbamazepine can adversely affect intellectual 
development of the children with idiopathic epilepsy

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