Abstracts

To evaluate language and executive functions in children with left hemisphere localization related epilepsy (LHLRE) and healthy controls. 21 patients with localization related epilepsy (all right handed; 11 M, 10 F; aged 6-12 years), mean age of seizure onset, 5.91 years (range 0.1-10) and 21 randomly aged matched healthy volunteers (all right handed; 11M, 10F, aged 6-12) had comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. One patient had mesial temporal sclerosis, one had tumor/dysplasia, and 19 had normal MRI. Language measures (expressive and receptive language, comprehension, reading, language formulation, and verbal fluency), executive function, and cognitive abilities were examined using an analysis of variance and regression analysis. Significant differences were observed between children with LHLRE and healthy volunteers. Results indicated that children with a left focus exhibited compromise in core [F(1,39) = 4.21, [italic]p[/italic] = [lt].05] expressive language [F(1, 40) = 11.15, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01]. Most prominent were reduced language performances in rapid naming [F(1, 40) = 6.98, [italic]p[/italic] = .01], verbal fluency [F(1, 40) = 11.08, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01], reading fluency [F(1, 37) = 6.70, [italic]p[/italic] = .01], reading rate [F(1, 37) = 9.11, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01], reading accuracy [F(1,37) = 5.67, [italic]p[/italic] = .02], reading comprehension [F (1,37) = 6.40,[italic] p[/italic] = .01], and phonological processing [F(1,40) = 4.42, [italic]p[/italic] = [lt].05]. Parent reports indicated differences in several areas of executive function including: shift [F(1, 36) = 13.10, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01], metacognition [F(1, 36) = 7.70, [italic]p[/italic] [lt].01], initiation [F(1, 36) = 5.18, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .05], monitoring [F(1, 36) = 4.33, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .05], working memory [F(1,36) = 10.53, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01], and planning and organization [F(1, 36) = 8.60, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01]. There were no significant differences between the groups on measures of receptive language and sight word recognition. A linear regression equation indicated a positive relationship between IQ and core language functioning (Beta = .856, SE = .207, [italic]p[/italic] [lt].01). LHLRE is associated with lowered performance on core language and expressive language tasks as opposed to receptive language. Compared with healthy volunteers, children with left hemisphere localization related epilepsy exhibited pronounced differences on language measures with an executive function component. Although poor expressive language functioning and fluency may also be the result of executive function deficits, a strong correlation exists between IQ and core language measures (r=.72, [italic]p[/italic] [lt] .01). (Supported by RO1 NS44280, MRDDRC, P30HD40677-01 NICHD, and 5-MO1-RR-020359-01 GCRC.)