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Cognition, Behavior, and Psychosocial Effects of Seizures in the Developing Brain

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Psychiatric and Behavioral Aspects of Epilepsy

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 55))

Abstract

Epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder of recurrent seizures, is associated with significant impacts on the developing brain. Patients commonly face multiple comorbidities, including debilitating effects on cognition, behavior, and psychiatric outcomes. These conditions can be a source of great distress for patients that may even be greater than the burden of epilepsy itself. Here we investigate the relationship between seizures and the development of these comorbidities, specifically cognition, memory, learning, behavior, and psychiatric disorders. We first delineate the current research methodology in clinical and basic science that is employed to study the impact of epilepsy and seizures. We then explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development of seizures and cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Potential avenues of intervention to best support individuals and optimize their neurodevelopmental progress are also highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Katerina Lin & Carl E. Stafstrom

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  1. Katerina Lin
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  2. Carl E. Stafstrom
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Correspondence to Carl E. Stafstrom .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    Nigel C. Jones

  2. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Andres M. Kanner

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Lin, K., Stafstrom, C.E. (2020). Cognition, Behavior, and Psychosocial Effects of Seizures in the Developing Brain. In: Jones, N.C., Kanner, A.M. (eds) Psychiatric and Behavioral Aspects of Epilepsy . Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 55. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2020_189

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