Influencing factors for cognitive impairment in patients with dorsolateral frontal lobe epilepsy

Abstract

Background & Objective: To explore the influencing factors for cognitive impairment in patients with dorsolateral frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and the correlation between cognitive function and abnormal electroencephalograms.

Methods: Eighty-two patients with dorsolateral FLE treated from April 2018 to April 2020 were selected. According to cognitive function test results, they were divided into a normal group (n=47) and an impairment group (n=35). Their general data were compared. The factors affecting cognitive function were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram prediction model was constructed for predicting cognitive impairment, and the predictive accuracy was assessed. The cognitive function and electroencephalogram results were compared. The correlation between abnormal electroencephalograms and cognitive function was analyzed.

Results: Onset age ≥20 years old, educational years ≤12 years, course of disease ≥8 years, seizure frequency ≥once every 4 months, seizure duration ≥1.5 min and medication type were independent risk factors influencing the cognitive function of patients with dorsolateral FLE. The nomogram prediction model was highly accurate for predicting cognitive impairment. The levels of directional memory, associative learning memory, free recall of images, re-recognition of meaningless images, recall of character features, digital symbol substitution test, verbal fluency test, and backward digital span test of the impairment group were significantly lower than those of the normal group, and the number of patients with abnormal electroencephalograms was remarkably larger in the former group. Abnormal electroencephalogram had a significant negative correlation with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion: Onset age, educational years, course of the disease, seizure frequency, seizure duration and medication type influence the cognitive function of patients with dorsolateral FLE. Abnormal electroencephalograms are closely correlated with cognitive function.