| Custom Content | Poster Session 09 Program Schedule
02/16/2024
03:30 pm - 04:45 pm
Room: Shubert Complex (Posters 1-60)
Poster Session 09: Epilepsy | Oncology | MS | Infectious Disease
Final Abstract #7
Poster Symposium: Summary
Neuropsychological Care in Early Life Epilepsies: From Referrals to Outcomes
Category: Epilepsy/Seizures
Keyword 1: pediatric neuropsychology
Keyword 2: child development disorders
Keyword 3: epilepsy / seizure disorders
Summary Abstract:
Early life epilepsies (ELE) present in the first three years of life and are often characterized by severe cognitive impairments, behavioral challenges, and neurological co-morbidities that have a substantial impact on quality of life. While recent advancements in diagnostic tools, including imaging and genetic testing, along with novel pharmacological, gene therapy, and surgical treatments, are transforming the landscape of care for individuals with ELE, our understanding of non-seizure outcomes remains limited. While neuropsychologists play a pivotal role in epilepsy care, unique challenges arise when serving individuals with ELE, particularly due to the limited measurement options for very young and severely impaired groups. Currently, there is a noticeable gap in the literature concerning neuropsychological practices and measurement approaches appropriate for this population. Considering these gaps, this symposium brings together four distinct but interrelated talks that collectively highlight the evolving landscape of neuropsychological care and measurement of outcomes for children with ELEs. Specifically, this symposium aims to shed light on referral practices, novel models of care in young children undergoing surgical intervention, and innovative measurement techniques for clinical care and research for individuals with ELE. Drs. Bearden and Eschbach will present findings of a survey conducted among neurologists and epileptologists within the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), offering valuable insights into their referral practices and beliefs about the utility of neuropsychology for children with ELEs aged birth to three years. Their work in this space provides an important foundation for understanding the current landscape of care. Subsequently, Dr. Boyer will introduce innovative models of neuropsychological care tailored specifically to young children with ELE undergoing brain surgery. Her talk will demonstrate patient-centered approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration through clinical cases. Finally, Drs. Wojnaroski and Ludwig will address the inherent barriers to valid measurement of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with ELE and the pressing need for improved measures to support clinical care and clinical trial readiness. Dr. Wojnaroski will discuss promising findings from a study employing the Developmental Profile, Fourth Edition in this patient group, while Dr. Ludwig will share data from a study implementing a measure of responsiveness, initially developed for individuals with disorders of consciousness due to an acquired brain injury, into this new patient cohort. Throughout each presentation, speakers will underscore various challenges in evaluating children with ELE and present practical solutions and avenues for future research in this underserved and under-studied population. This symposium aims to advance our knowledge and improve the care and measurement of outcomes for children with ELE.
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