The neuropsychology of epilepsy: An overview

Abstract

The contributions of neuropsychology to improved understanding of psychopathological and cognitive correlates/consequences of epilepsy have been increasingly recognized. Empirically documented relationships between these variables and lesion localization, seizure type, and effects of anticonvulsant medications are briefly reviewed. A critique of current sodium amytal language/memory assessment technique is presented, followed by some observations on new opportunities for innovative neuropsychology research presented by recent advances in neuro-imaging technology. The paper concludes by addressing the thesis that neuropsychology research to date has emphasized biological and neurological variables to the relative neglect of environmental/social/psychological factors for psychopathology and work/behavioral adjustment in persons with epilepsy. Implications of this perceived imbalance in our research endeavors are discussed with some suggestions on multi-etiologic models for further investigations.