COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AFTER STATUS EPILEPTICUS: EFFECT OF CEREBRAL HYPOXIA

Abstract

Cognition can be defined as the capacity of the brain to process information accurately and to program adaptive behavior. Cognition involves the ability to solve problems, to memorize information, or to focus attention. On a higher level, it involves dealing with complex situation creatively by transcending from the immediate circumstances to anticipate future action. Epilepsy is symptoms of ictal and interictal brain dysfunction, and the possibility t at cognitive impairment may develop as a secondary symptoms is therefore obvious (Aldenkamp, 1997).

At least thirty percent of all epileptic patients have psychiatric and cognitive problems (Abdulghani et al, 1994).