SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY

Speech and language dysfunction are a common developmental problem observed in children with epilepsy. These patients need a complex assessment and chronic therapy, conducted by neurologists, psychologists and speech therapists, as well as other specialists. Abnormal cerebral activity in epilepsy, and its treatment results in disturbances in a variety of cognitive functions, and may also affect the development of a child. However, it is still not known how epileptiform discharges influence the speech and language skills. Published studies concentrate mainly on a characteristics of speech and language disorders, its potential underlying nature or additional disabilities. In recent studies, performed through the application of new techniques, researchers have attempted to find genetic and neuromolecular explanations for the origin of childhood speech and language disorders. Nevertheless, research, concerning the area of speech and language dysfunctions in children with epilepsy, is rare and still requires detailed attention. The aim of the present study is to review the available data in order to establish the factors affecting chiefly the language and speech in children with epilepsy.