Neuropsychological Characteristics of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy:Lesion Laterality-Sex Interaction

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 19(2); 2001 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2001;19(2): 132-138.

내측두엽간질의 신경심리학적 특징 : 병변 측위-성별 상호 작용

이상암, 임수빈 이순금 강중구 유희정

울산대학교 의과대학 서울중앙병원 신경과,정신과*

Neuropsychological Characteristics of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy:Lesion Laterality-Sex Interaction

Sang-Ahm Lee, M.D., Soo-Bin Yim, M.D., Soon Keum Lee, M.D., Joong Koo Kang, M.D., Hee-Jung Yoo, Ph.D.*

Department of Neurology and Psychiatry*, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine

Abstract

"Background : We investigated the neuropsychological features of laterality-sex interactions in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), using a broad and comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Methods : Eighty-nine consecu-tive patients (female 46) with MTLE (left 46) were included in the study. They underwent anterior temporal lobectomy and became seizure-free for at least one year postoperatively. All patients had a language dominancy in the left hemi-sphere. The following neuropsychological tests including : Korean Wechsler Intelligence Scale (KWIS), Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Color Trails Test (CTT), were performed preoperatively. Each variable of the neuropsychological tests were analyzed with regard to laterality-sex interactions. Results : General memory, verbal memory, and delayed recall of WMS-R and a executive function measured by WCST were significantly decreased in patients with left MTLE compared to those with right MTLE. However, this laterality effect especially on verbal memory and some variables of WCST including the number of category completed was observed only in female patients. Interference index of CTT had a tendency to be increased in the male patients with right MTLE. The intelligence scale of KWIS was not correlated with lesion laterality or sex. Conclusions : Laterality-sex interactions were evident for verbal memory and an executive function in female patients with MTLE. Further stud-ies need to be done on these neuropsychological features. J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(2):132~138, 2001 Key Words : Epilepsy/Temporal lobe, Neuropsychological test, Laterality/Sex interaction"