STUDY OF WORKING MEMORY, MOTOR CO-ORDINATION AND SOCIAL COGNITION IN CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY AS COMPARED TO NORMAL OF SAME AGE GROUP

Background: Epilepsy is the second most common and frequently encountered neurological condition after stroke that imposes heavy burden on individuals, families and also on healthcare systems. As per a recent study, 70 million people have epilepsy worldwide and nearly 90% of them are found in developing regions.1This study will help determine deficits in working memory, motor coordination and social cognition of children with epilepsy Methodology: Cross-sectional, non-interventional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Total no. of 40 participants were enrolled. Trail making test (TMTAand TMTB), Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP),Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-55) scale were administered. Result: This study was an attempt to analyze working memory, motor coordination and social cognition. There was statistically significant difference on the score of Trail making Test B component which assesses working memory and Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency which assesses motor coordination in children with epilepsy as compared to normal of same age group. At the same time social cognition component of Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire was equally affected in both children with epilepsy and normal. Conclusion: Working memory and motor coordination are affected in children with epilepsy when compared to normal children of same age. As age progresses there is decline in the social cognition of children with epilepsy. Overall social cognition is affected in both normal children and children with epilepsy due to covid-19 pandemic.