Memory Testing in an Intractable Epilepsy Sample

Epilepsy affects 3.4 million people in the United States and 70 million globally. A third have intractable epilepsy, epilepsy that is not well-controlled by medication. Understanding memory and cognitive functioning in this population will further comprehension of cognitive changes in this population. However, few neuropsychological measures can be administered on a regular basis without compromising reliability. This study investigated experimental and standardized memory measures in patients with intractable epilepsy.Individuals with intractable epilepsy (n = 188; mean age = 37.5 years) scheduled to undergo depth electrode surgery were given a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including Rey-Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) or California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). During their stay in the hospital following surgery, participants were also given an experimental computerized verbal list learning test multiple times throughout their stay.The experimental task and standardized task were significantly associated on total recall (r = 0.348, p < 0.01) and immediate learning (r = 0.383, p < 0.01).Understanding memory in individuals with epilepsy will help further clinical treatment and outcomes for these individuals. A task such as our experimental verbal list learning task that can be administered frequently and consistently could make serial testing possible. This would be particularly helpful in situations where rapid change occurs, or regular monitoring of symptoms is needed. Clinically, this type of testing could lead to better understanding of cognitive symptoms over time.