Pediatric Epilepsy: Depression, Anxiety and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tatiana Falcone, M.D.
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- Epilepsy is the most common childhood neurological disorder, affecting up to 1% of children younger than age 16. Research has shown that many children and adolescents with epilepsy also experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and /or ADHD
- In addition to the epileptologists, Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Epilepsy Team also includes nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, child life workers, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists and many support staff, who work together with out patients and their families to manage epilepsy and ALL the related symptoms
The Relationship between Epilepsy, Depression and Anxiety. Services available to adults living with epilepsy
Teresa Fitch, LISW
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- Studies have shown that 11-60% of people living with epilepsy experience symptoms of depression and 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety
- The Epilepsy Center multidisciplinary team of professionals works with you to identify any potential symptoms of depression and anxiety, and also to assist you with all treatment options available
The Importance of the Neuropsychological Evaluation as Part of the Epilepsy Pre-Surgical Process
Adult Neuropsychology Evaluation
Jessica Chapin, Ph.D.
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Pediatric Neuropsychology Evaluation
Jennifer Haut, Ph.D.
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- Neuropsychological evaluations play a very important role in the epilepsy pre-surgical work-up. This evaluation assesses the patient’s thinking abilities such as language, memory, attention and problem-solving
- Your neuropsychologist(s) will share the final results of the evaluation with you and will also be available to answer any question you may have regarding these results
Epilepsy and the MRI: How to prepare for your MRI, as part of the diagnostic evaluation for epilepsy
Paul Ruggieri M.D.
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- An MRI is performed to produce a series of your brain pictures in an effort to look for a structural abnormality that may be causing the epilepsy
- There is no radiation involved in MRI and the detailed information about your brain is considerably greater
- Our physicians and technicians will be with you or your child every step of the way, providing assistance and answering any questions you may have
Epilepsy and fMRI: The importance of fMRI in preparing for your epilepsy surgery
Paul Ruggieri M.D.
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- An fMRI is a specialized test designed to find the areas that control your normal activities, such as the ability to speak, to understand what others say to you, the ability to move certain parts of your body. This test helps to localize the areas responsible for controlling the functions listed above and to show how far these areas are from the area causing the seizure
- Our physicians and technicians will be with your or your child every step of the process, providing assistance with the various tasks required to be performed
Epilepsy and the WADA test: A patient’s guide on the process of administering the WADA test
Paul Ruggieri M.D.
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- The Wada test is used to determine which side of the brain controls language function and also how important each side of the brain is in regard to memory function
- Members of our Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy team, including a neuroradiologist/interventional neurologist (who uses imaging devices and substances to study the brain), an epileptologist, as well as other personnel will assist you with the procedure and are available to answer any questions you may have
PET and SPECT in Epilepsy Surgery: How patients should prepare for PET and SPECT scans
Guiyun Wu, M.D.
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- PET and SPECT scans are nuclear imaging techniques that measure important vital functions as blood flow, oxygen use, and glucose metabolism and help doctors identify abnormal from normal functioning organs and tissues (such as brain disorders, including seizures, brain tumors, memory disorders)
- A PET scan is usually done on an outpatient basis; a SPECT scan is done as inpatient during Video-EEG monitoring. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your PET or SPECT scan, including what you may or may not eat or drink before your exam
