Abstracts

Summary: Children with epilepsy have an increased risk of neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric impairments that may predate seizure onset and can persist even after seizures are medically controlled into adulthood, and thus are arguably more impairing than seizures themselves. The comorbidities of pediatric epilepsy have historically been understudied resulting in limited understanding of the scope and specifics of the impairments. Moreover, insufficient availability of mental health providers makes referrals difficult to find or delayed in taking place, obliging the epilepsy clinician to manage the comorbidities in the meantime. This symposium will characterize the cognitive phenotypes of pediatric epilepsy (beyond IQ), delineate the range and prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and provide practical recommendations for the clinician based on recent neuroimaging and outcome studies. Practical guidance includes knowing what questions to ask to screen for disorders and make a plan to provide optimal care, making decisions regarding pharmacological treatment, and providing immediate, home-based recommendations.