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Borne A, Perrone-Bertolotti M, Ferrand-Sorbets S, Bulteau C, Baciu M. Insights on cognitive reorganization after hemispherectomy in Rasmussen's encephalitis. A narrative review. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2024-0009. [PMID: 38749928 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Rasmussen's encephalitis is a rare neurological pathology affecting one cerebral hemisphere, therefore, posing unique challenges. Patients may undergo hemispherectomy, a surgical procedure after which cognitive development occurs in the isolated contralateral hemisphere. This rare situation provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate brain plasticity and cognitive recovery at a hemispheric level. This literature review synthesizes the existing body of research on cognitive recovery following hemispherectomy in Rasmussen patients, considering cognitive domains and modulatory factors that influence cognitive outcomes. While language function has traditionally been the focus of postoperative assessments, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need to broaden the scope of language investigation in interaction with other cognitive domains and to consider cognitive scaffolding in development and recovery. By synthesizing findings reported in the literature, we delineate how language functions may find support from the right hemisphere after left hemispherectomy, but also how, beyond language, global cognitive functioning is affected. We highlight the critical influence of several factors on postoperative cognitive outcomes, including the timing of hemispherectomy and the baseline preoperative cognitive status, pointing to early surgical intervention as predictive of better cognitive outcomes. However, further specific studies are needed to confirm this correlation. This review aims to emphasize a better understanding of mechanisms underlying hemispheric specialization and plasticity in humans, which are particularly important for both clinical and research advancements. This narrative review underscores the need for an integrative approach based on cognitive scaffolding to provide a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying the reorganization in Rasmussen patients after hemispherectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borne
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LPNC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Sarah Ferrand-Sorbets
- Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Christine Bulteau
- Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Service de Neurochirurgie Pédiatrique, 75019 Paris, France
- Université de Paris-Cité, MC2Lab EA 7536, Institut de Psychologie, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Monica Baciu
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LPNC, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Neurology Department, CMRR, University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Harford E, Houtrow A, Al-Ramadhani R, Sinha A, Abel T. Functional outcomes of pediatric hemispherotomy: Impairment, activity, and medical service utilization. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 140:109099. [PMID: 36736240 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the functional outcomes of hemispherotomy in a pediatric cohort, including impairments, activity limitations, utilization of therapies and medical specialist services, and subsequent surgical intervention. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent hemispherotomy at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 2001 to 2021. Data on impairments, activity limitations in mobility, self-care, and communication, and use of re/habilitative therapies and medical specialist services were collected pre-operatively and at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years postoperatively. Seizure outcomes were reported via Engel classification at the longest follow-up interval and subsequent surgical procedures were documented through the latest follow-up interval. RESULTS A total of 28 patients who underwent hemispherotomy were assessed prior to surgery, 26 at 1 year post-op, 13 at 5 years, 9 at 10 years, and 5 at 15 years. Seizure outcomes at the longest follow-up interval showed that 84.6% of patients were seizure-free. Assessment of impairments to body structure & function from baseline to 1-year post-op revealed increased impairment in 73% of patients, while most patients saw no change in impairment at 5 years (69%), 10 years (100%), and 15 years (100%) post-op compared to the previous time point. Muscle tone abnormalities (100%), hemiparesis (92%), and visual field deficits (85%) were the most frequently observed impairments in the first year following surgery. Most patients saw no change in developmental or cognitive-affective impairments at 1 (65%), 5 (85%), 10 (89%), and 15 years (80%) post-op compared to the previous time point. The only qualitative reports of decreased ability occurred in 2/26 patients whose medical records indicated decreased mobility at the 1-year mark. All further qualitative reports of ability in mobility, self-care, and communication domains indicated increases or no change in ability for all patients at each of the subsequent follow-up intervals. Exploration of the utilization of re/habilitative therapy services shows that 84% of patients received at least one therapy service at baseline, 100% at1 year, 92% at 5 years, 100% at 10 years, and 80% at 15 years post-op. Patients were followed, on average (m), by multiple medical specialist services at baseline (m = 2.58) as well as the 1- (m = 1.70), 5- (m = 2.15), 10- (m = 3.00) and 15-year (m = 3.40) follow-up intervals. Following hemispherotomy, 15 (53.6%) patients required an average of 2.21 additional surgeries. Most often required was orthopedic surgical intervention (n = 16 procedures), followed by shunt placement (n = 7) and revision (n = 14) targeting hydrocephalus. SIGNIFICANCE This retrospective study demonstrates expected increases in impairments such as hemiparesis and visual field deficits (i.e., homonymous hemianopia) in the context of increased activity and favorable seizure outcomes for 28 pediatric patients who underwent hemispherotomy for drug-resistant epilepsy. Most patients required rehabilitative therapies prior to surgery and continued to require these services post-operatively. Reported baseline functional status, the persistence of impairments following surgery, and comorbidities among this cohort underscore the medical complexity of this patient population and the importance of multidisciplinary care both pre-and post-operatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Harford
- Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Amy Houtrow
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Ruba Al-Ramadhani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amit Sinha
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Taylor Abel
- Department of Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
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Uhl S, Konnyu K, Wilson R, Adam G, Robinson KA, Viswanathan M. Parent perceptions and decision making about treatments for epilepsy: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066872. [PMID: 36720580 PMCID: PMC9890834 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epilepsy treatment decision making is complex and understanding what informs caregiver decision making about treatment for childhood epilepsy is crucial to better support caregivers and their children. We synthesised evidence on caregivers' perspectives and experiences of treatments for childhood epilepsy. DESIGN Systematic review of qualitative studies using a best-fit framework and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach. DATA SOURCES Searched Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX and Web of Science from 1 January 1999 to 19 August 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included qualitative studies examining caregiver's perspectives on antiseizure medication, diet or surgical treatments for childhood epilepsy. We excluded studies not reported in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We extracted qualitative evidence into 1 of 14 domains defined by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). One reviewer extracted study data and methodological characteristics, and two reviewers extracted qualitative findings. The team verified all extractions. We identified themes within TDF domains and synthesised summary statements of these themes. We assessed our confidence in our summary statements using GRADE-CERQual. RESULTS We identified five studies (in six reports) of good methodological quality focused on parent perceptions of neurosurgery; we found limited indirect evidence on parents' perceptions of medications or diet. We identified themes within 6 of the 14 TDF domains relevant to treatment decisions: knowledge, emotion; social/professional role and identity; social influence; beliefs about consequences; and environmental context and resources. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with epilepsy navigate a complex process to decide whether to have their child undergo surgery. Educational resources, peer support and patient navigators may help support parents through this process. More qualitative studies are needed on non-surgical treatments for epilepsy and among caregivers from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to fully understand the diversity of perspectives that informs treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Uhl
- Center for Clinical Evidence, ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristin Konnyu
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Renee Wilson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gaelen Adam
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meera Viswanathan
- Evidence-based Practice Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Hatoum R, Nathoo-Khedri N, Shlobin NA, Wang A, Weil AG, Fallah A. Barriers to Epilepsy Surgery in Pediatric Patients: A Scoping Review. Seizure 2022; 102:83-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Mula M, Coleman H, Wilson SJ. Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Comorbidities in Epilepsy. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2022; 28:457-482. [PMID: 35393966 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article discusses psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities of epilepsy over the lifespan and illustrates opportunities to improve the quality of care of children and adults with epilepsy. RECENT FINDINGS One in 3 people with epilepsy have a lifetime history of psychiatric disorders, and they represent an important prognostic marker of epilepsy. Contributors are diverse and display a complex relationship. Cognitive comorbidities are also common among those living with epilepsy and are increasingly recognized as a reflection of changes to underlying brain networks. Among the cognitive comorbidities, intellectual disability and dementia are common and can complicate the diagnostic process when cognitive and/or behavioral features resemble seizures. SUMMARY Comorbidities require consideration from the first point of contact with a patient because they can determine the presentation of symptoms, responsiveness to treatment, and the patient's day-to-day functioning and quality of life. In epilepsy, psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities may prove a greater source of disability for the patient and family than the seizures themselves, and in the case of essential comorbidities, they are regarded as core to the disorder in terms of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Samanta D, Ostendorf AP, Singh R, Gedela S, Elumalai V, Hoyt ML, Perry MS, Bartolini L, Curran GM. Physicians' Perspectives on Presurgical Discussion and Shared Decision-Making in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:416-425. [PMID: 35312338 PMCID: PMC9086119 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221089472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To qualitatively explore the approach of pediatric epilepsy providers when counseling regarding surgical options for epilepsy, presenting risks and benefits of surgery, overcoming resistance to surgery, and fostering shared decision making with patients and families. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 academic clinicians (5- neurologists, 5- epileptologists, 1- neurosurgeon) from a Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center to explore how physicians communicate and pursue surgical decision-making. Results: A blended inductive-deductive analysis revealed three key themes (with subthemes) of presurgical discussions: (1) Candidate selection and initial discussion about epilepsy surgery (neurologists compared to epileptologists, the timing of the discussion, reluctant families) (2) Detailed individualized counseling about epilepsy surgery (shared decision-making [enablers and barriers] and risk-benefit analysis [balancing risks and benefits, statistical benefit estimation, discussion about SUDEP, prognostication about cognitive and behavioral outcomes, risks of surgery]) (3) Tools to improve decision-making (educational interventions for patients and families and provider- and organization-specific interventions). Significance: Presurgical discussions lack uniformity among physicians who treat epilepsy. Despite general interest in collaborative decision-making, experts raised concern about lack of exposure to communication training and clinical tools for optimizing decision-making, a high number of families who do not feel equipped to share the decision making leaving the decision-making entirely to the physician, and paucity of practical resources for individualized risk-benefit counseling. Clinical practice guidelines should be developed to reduce existing practice variations in presurgical counseling. Further consensus is needed about when and how to initiate the conversation about epilepsy surgery, essential components of the discussion, and the utility of various tools to improve the utilization of epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Adam P Ostendorf
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
| | - Vimala Elumalai
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - Megan Leigh Hoyt
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, United States of America
| | - M. Scott Perry
- Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Luca Bartolini
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Curran
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Samanta D, Hoyt ML, Perry MS. Parental experience and decision-making for epilepsy surgery: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108263. [PMID: 34428615 PMCID: PMC8478881 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In selected children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), epilepsy surgery is the most effective treatment option, but unfortunately remains highly underutilized. One of the critical obstacles to pursuing surgical therapy is parents/caregivers' decision against surgery or to delay the surgery until no other treatment option exists. Understanding caregiver decision-making around epilepsy surgery can improve patient/caregiver experience and satisfaction while facilitating appropriate decision-making that optimizes clinical outcomes. The current review systematically explores the existing evidence on caregiver experience and the decision-making process toward epilepsy surgery. METHODS The study was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review. Databases (PubMed Ovid, PubMed Medline, Web of Science, CINHAL, PsycInfo) were systematically searched in February 2021 using a defined search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Total 1304 articles were screened for titles and abstracts, and 54 full-text articles were retrieved for further assessment. We included 14 articles with critical quality assessment using two different tools for qualitative and questionnaire-based studies. A qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize caregiver experience, perception, and decision-making toward favorable or unfavorable opinions of epilepsy surgery. RESULTS Four concepts generated from the analysis may act as enablers or barriers to decision-making around epilepsy surgery: 1. Access to knowledge and information, 2. Communication and coordination issues, 3. Caregiver's emotional state, and 4. Socioeconomic effects. Subsequently, we provided a narrative synthesis of practice recommendations and a conceptual framework to adopt multi-pronged interventions to overcome identified diverse barriers to effective caregiver decision-making. CONCLUSION Multiple influences impact how caregivers decide about epilepsy surgery for their children, with no single factor identified as the primary driver for or against surgery. However, limited research has explored these influences. Future studies should focus on quantitatively examining factors to identify significant variables most likely to influence caregiver decision-making, ultimately overcoming barriers that limit utilization of epilepsy surgery as a treatment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Megan Leigh Hoyt
- Division of Neurology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, United States of America
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Hrincu V, McDonald PJ, Connolly MB, Harrison MJ, Ibrahim GM, Naftel RP, Chiong W, Alam A, Ribary U, Illes J. Choice and Trade-offs: Parent Decision Making for Neurotechnologies for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy. J Child Neurol 2021; 36:943-949. [PMID: 34078159 PMCID: PMC8458226 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211015010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated factors that guide caregiver decision making and ethical trade-offs for advanced neurotechnologies used to treat children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Caregivers with affected children were recruited to semi-structured focus groups or interviews at one of 4 major epilepsy centers in Eastern and Western Canada and the USA (n = 22). Discussions were transcribed and qualitative analytic methods applied to examine values and priorities (eg, risks, benefits, adherence, invasiveness, reversibility) of caregivers pertaining to novel technologies to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Discussions revealed 3 major thematic branches for decision making: (1) features of the intervention-risks and benefits, with an emphasis on an aversion to perceived invasiveness; (2) decision drivers-trust in the clinical team, treatment costs; and (3) quality of available information about neurotechnological options. Overall, caregivers' definition of treatment success is more expansive than seizure freedom. The full involvement of their values and priorities must be considered in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Hrincu
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patrick J. McDonald
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mary B. Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark J. Harrison
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - George M. Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P. Naftel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Winston Chiong
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Armaghan Alam
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Urs Ribary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Institute, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Judy Illes
- University of British Columbia, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Correspondence: Judy Illes, CM, PhD, Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Koerner S124 Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5 CANADA, Tel: 604.822.0746
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Ljunggren S, Winblad S, Hällgren Graneheim U, Malmgren K, Ozanne A. Experiences of emotional and psychosocial functioning after frontal lobe resection for epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108077. [PMID: 34087680 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Frontal lobe resection (FLR) is the second most common epilepsy surgery procedure in adults. Few studies address neuropsychological consequences after FLR. The aim of this study was to explore patients' and relatives' experiences of cognitive, emotional and social cognitive functioning after frontal lobe epilepsy surgery. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were held with 14 patients having gone through FLR as adults during the years 2000-2016 and 12 of their relatives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed with inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Positive as well as negative consequences were described both by patients and relatives. Feelings of relief and an increased capacity to experience emotions of well-being were mainly experienced as related to seizure freedom. A newfound autonomy and a more grown-up identity as opposed to a self-image based on epilepsy was also highlighted. However, results also showed that even for seizure free patients, FLR could give rise to negative experiences, the most prominent of which were mental fatigue, lowered mood and social withdrawal. Coping strategies included planning ahead to avoid mental exhaustion. Over all, respondents considered that the epilepsy surgery had been a risk well worth taking and that positive consequences outweighed the negative ones. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a range of positive as well as negative outcomes after FLR for epilepsy. The findings indicate that lowered mood and mental fatigue could affect the life situation in a negative way, regardless of seizure outcome. This is important to consider in the preoperative counselling of patients and their families, as well as in the postsurgical follow-up. It is also crucial that the epilepsy surgery team has the possibility to offer rehabilitation and support to families regarding these aspects after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ljunggren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Blå Stråket 7, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Stefan Winblad
- Department of Psychology, Gothenburg University, Box 500, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Ulla Hällgren Graneheim
- Department of Health Care Sciences, University West, SE-461 32 Trollhättan, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Malmgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Blå Stråket 7, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Anneli Ozanne
- Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden; Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Braams O, Maher C, Jennekens-Schinkel A, Braun K, van Nieuwenhuizen O, van Schooneveld M, Schappin R. Social functioning of children after epilepsy surgery: A literature review. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 96:210-218. [PMID: 31174069 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This literature review on social functioning of children after epilepsy surgery is based on 24 papers addressing two categories of social functioning: social cognition (n = 4) and general social functioning (n = 20). Overall, studies that compared with healthy peers revealed children who had undergone epilepsy surgery to have more problems in both social cognition and general social functioning. Half of the studies found some improvement in social functioning in the first year(s) after epilepsy surgery, but this pertained to general social functioning, not to social cognition. The persistence of the problems in social cognition after surgery may be related to the critical period of brain maturation, lacking improvement of impairments in related cognitive domains or to a defective underlying brain condition - rather than to the epilepsy. Problems in general social functioning may be explained by the adjustments the children and their families had to make because of the child's drug-resistant epilepsy and difficulties to adjust to the new situation after surgery. The neurological and behavioral explanations are likely to be interrelated in light of the multifaceted and complex nature of social functioning. Epilepsy surgery does not appear to solve the problems in social functioning associated with having had drug-resistant epilepsy. As social functioning is an important aspect of healthy development, it should be assessed comprehensively in order to obtain a knowledge base that allows 1) proper treatment of children with epilepsy (CwE) and 2) counseling patients and families prior to and after epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Braams
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Caragh Maher
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Aag Jennekens-Schinkel
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kees Braun
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Onno van Nieuwenhuizen
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Monique van Schooneveld
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Renske Schappin
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Braams O, Braun K, van Rijen PC, van Nieuwenhuizen O, Jennekens-Schinkel A, Schappin R. Parents experience problems in psychological and family functioning two to four years after their child's epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 89:15-22. [PMID: 30384094 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to explore whether parents experience problems in their own psychological wellbeing and their family functioning two to four years after their child's epilepsy surgery and whether these problems are associated with epilepsy variables, demographic and cognitive variables, and parent-observed behavior problems of the child. METHODS Of the 65 approached families, parents of 31 children participated by completing the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Family Questionnaire, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). High scores indicating clinically relevant problems were reported and called 'problem scores'. Correlations between results of questionnaires and demographic and illness variables (abstracted from medical files) were computed for fathers and mothers separately. By comparing the group with at least one problem score with the group without problem scores, risk factors for parent-perceived problems in their own psychological functioning and in family functioning were explored. RESULTS Thirty percent of the mothers had problem scores on hostility and on communication within their family. Only a few fathers obtained problem scores, most of these pertaining to their family's organization. Not one parent had a problem score regarding their partner relationship. Many parents had problem scores on behavior problems in their child. Brain area of surgery was the only epilepsy variable related to parents' wellbeing and family functioning, with lowest problem scores for the hemispherotomy group. Scores on behavior problems in the child were also lowest for children after hemispherotomy and for those who had achieved freedom of seizures and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Fathers of older children experienced more problems than those of young children. CONCLUSIONS Parent's wellbeing and family functioning cannot be understood from epilepsy or epilepsy surgery variables only but are related to the child's age and behavior. Having epilepsy is associated with emotional and behavior problems and limits children in developing age-appropriate self-dependence. These problems are not resolved after achieving seizure freedom and have great influence on the family. Professionals should set realistic expectations of epilepsy surgery and should assess, acknowledge, and follow up problems of parental psychological wellbeing and family functioning, regardless of the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Braams
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands; Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kees Braun
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter C van Rijen
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Onno van Nieuwenhuizen
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Aag Jennekens-Schinkel
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Renske Schappin
- Department of Pediatric Psychology and Social Work, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Ozanne A, Verdinelli C, Olsson I, Edelvik A, H Graneheim U, Malmgren K. Callosotomy in children - Parental experiences reported at long-term follow-up. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 86:91-97. [PMID: 30153937 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Callosotomy is a palliative surgery method for selected individuals with severe, drug-resistant epilepsy. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore parental experiences of the family's life situation before and long after their child had undergone callosotomy. Semistructured interviews of the parents of 12 children were analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis. Before surgery, parents felt that they lived in a chaotic bubble with an unbearable situation; their child had severe and frequent seizures and had to be looked after constantly. Most parents were both satisfied and dissatisfied with the given support and information. However, if the child did not improve after surgery, parents often felt that the information before surgery had not been adequate. After surgery, they found a glimpse of hope. They felt that the family got a new life; the reduced seizure severity led to a better life situation for the family. The support was described as both good and poor. The family life situation was complex, and even if they were partly satisfied with the support, it was still not enough. However, the life situation was also very stressful because of remaining seizures, behavioral problems, and sometimes, adverse effects of surgery. The families lived in disappointment and difficulty and had to fight for their rights. This indicates that these families need more information and social service coordination both before and long after surgery. They need not only tools to manage the child's disabilities but also substantial help to care for the child and to receive the social support they need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Ozanne
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 457, 405 30 Gothenburg,Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Verdinelli
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ingrid Olsson
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Edelvik
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ulla H Graneheim
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Malmgren
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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