Language, learning and auditory processing: neurolinguistic, electrophysiologic and behavioral study in children with Rolandic and temporal lobe epilepsy

Abstract

This study aims to assess the language, learning, behavior and electrophysiological auditory tests in children with rolandic epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy and to compare with the normal children. We will select 45 individuals of both genders, aged eight to 14 years, divided into three groups: Group I comprise 15 children with rolandic epilepsy, Group II comprises 15 children with temporal lobe epilepsy, and Group III comprises 15 normal children. The oral language will be assessed with a sample of free speech, evaluation of phonology, auditory-receptive vocabulary and repetition of nonwords and digits. The learning will be assessed through a sample of free writing, the phonologic awareness test, reading, writing and arithmetical tests, nonwords reading and writing, oral speed reading, and text understanding. The peripheral audiological system will be evaluated, followed by behavioral auditory tests, such as: digits dichotic test, nonverbal dichotic test, duration pattern test and GIN test (Gaps in noise). Electrophysiological measures will be analyzed by auditory evoked potentials of short, middle and long latency response. This study aims to characterize the possible changes in language, learning and auditory processing in children with rolandic epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy. (AU)