The effects of memory, extra-memorial functions, and neuro-imaging on the prognosis of operated and non-operated temporal lobe epilepsy patients

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate memory and extra-memorial functions and neuroimaging in operated and non-operated temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients.

Patients and methods: Medical files of a total of 90 patients (47 males, 43 females; median age: 33 years; range, 19 to 68 years) who were diagnosed with TLE at Uludag University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology between January 2002 and December 2011 were retrospectively and prospectively analyzed. All patients were hospitalized in the video-electroencephalography (EEG) unit of the clinic. Seizure follow-up, video-EEG, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), and neuropsychometric testing (NPT) were performed in all patients. Thirty-seven of these patients underwent amygdalohippocampectomy + anterior temporal lobectomy by neurosurgery department, while the remaining 53 patients were followed with medical treatment.

Results: Video-EEG, MRI, PET, and NPT showed similar results in terms of lateralization. The operated patients had improved memory and extra-memorial functions in the following controls. A significant decrease in seizure frequency was found in the operated patients after surgery. A significant improvement was observed in the quality of life with reduced seizure frequency and better cognitive functions.

Conclusion: Based on our study results, the diagnostic value of verbal memory tests alone is 63% on the left, whereas the diagnostic value of the Wechsler Memory Scale visual memory test alone is 69% on the right.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.