Evaluation of motor performance in patients with epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disease prevailing in around 0.5 to 1% world population, admitted in individuals who have had at least one not provoked seizure and are susceptible to new crisis. Seizures are classified into four types, which are differentiated by their origin. Focal seizures are limited to only one brain hemisphere, while generalized seizures occur in both hemispheres. Unknown onset seizures have its origin unidentified and not classified seizures does not have a classification. Among patients with epilepsy under treatment, approximately 30% are not effective, which makes their neuronal condition worse and, consequently, alterations on motor regions. Using motor and neuropsychological tests it is possible to evaluate the patients' motor performance. The "Nine-peg hole Test" and the "Block Test" are commonly used to evaluate manual dexterity. The "Hanoi Tower" evaluates the executive functions, and the "WAIS block design Test" can be used to evaluate visuospatial skills. In addition to the tests, information regarding sex, age, years at school, profession, type of seizure, frequency, and medication will be collected and analyzed with the SPSS22 software, searching for the possible association between motor skills and clinical parameters.