Test-retest variability in children with epilepsy--a comparison of WISC-R profiles

Epilepsy Res. 1990 Nov;7(2):165-72. doi: 10.1016/0920-1211(90)90102-2.

Abstract

Reports of test-retest variability appear recurrently in relation to epilepsy. To date, the amount of information available on the stability of cognitive profiles over a number of years is limited. In this study, 45 children were assessed, using the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children - Revised (WISC-R). The children were retested after a period of at least 2 years. A group of 20 children was tested 3 times. The average follow-up period was 4.2 years. Although most subjects in our sample had a high seizure frequency and continued to have their seizures during the period of follow-up, a marked stability of cognitive profiles is found over a period of time. These profiles show low scores for the subtests Information, Coding, Digit Span, Vocabulary and resemble profiles reported in other studies on subjects with intractable epilepsies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / drug effects
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Time Factors
  • Wechsler Scales*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants