Diagnostic Challenges in the Neuropsychology of Epilepsy: Report of the <scp>ILAE</scp> Neuropsychology Task Force Diagnostic Methods Commission: 2021–2025
Mary Lou Smith, Mayu Fujikawa, Genevieve Rayner, Seth A. Margolis, Bruce P. Hermann, Gus A. Baker, Sallie Baxendale, Robyn M. Busch, Aimee Dollman, Victoria Ives‐Deliperi, Carrie R. McDonald, Urvashi Shah, Sarah J. Wilson
Abstract
Increasingly, it has been recognized that non-seizure-related factors influence how people with epilepsy perform on neuropsychological tests. Therefore, neuropsychologists need to recognize the constellation of factors that can contribute to the neurocognitive presentation of a person with epilepsy and consider these factors in the interpretation of their assessment results. In this paper, we highlight common scenarios prompting the need to account for such factors when conducting and interpreting neuropsychological assessments. To illustrate these complexities, a case study is presented of a woman with early onset epilepsy complicated by a traumatic brain injury in adulthood who was a candidate for epilepsy surgery. A discussion of the need to consider neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors in conducting an assessment and arriving at a sound interpretation of results is presented. Clinical take-away points are offered for guidance in undertaking such assessments.