Evaluation of Memory Impairment in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Using the Wechsler Memory Scale

Kim, Kwang Soo; Kim, Min Jeong; Yoo, Bong Goo; Yoo, Kyung Moo

Abstract

PURPOSE: Memory complaints are common in patients with epilepsy, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy. Many factors may adversely affect memory function in epilepsy, including seizures themselves, pathology causing the epilepsy and antiepileptic medication. The Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) is used widely for test of memory. The aim of this study is to evaluate memory in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy using the WMS and to analyze memory impairment with respect to various factors.
METHODS
Twenty four epileptic patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were evaluated with the WMS. Memory impairment was analyzed with respect to age at seizure onset, epilepsy duration, and antiepileptic medication.
RESULTS
Memory test using the WMS showed significant differences between epileptic patients and controls for general information, mental control, associate learning, digit span and logical memory subtests. There was no correlation between memory quotient and age at seizure onset, epilepsy duration, or antiepileptic medication.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy have a memory impairment though none of the factors to impair memory function in epileptic patients could be identified.