Assessment of cognitive function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy using mismatch negativity

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess cognitive function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using mismatch negativity (MMN) potentials. Background Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a neurological condition that causes cognitive and behavioral problems. These complications were found to be affected by many factors including underlying neuropathology, age of onset, psychological issues, and therapeutic side effects that exacerbate pathophysiology of the condition. Subject and method In this case–control study, 44 children were involved and were divided into two groups: the study group involved 22 children with TLE, while the control group involved 22 normal children. Pure-tone audiometry, immittancemetry, and measurement of mismatch negativity (MMN) test were done for all subjects in this study. Results Latency of MMN was significantly increased, while the amplitude was significantly decreased in the study group compared to the control group. Abnormal MMN test was obtained in TLE patients. Conclusion Prolonged MMN latencies and decreased amplitudes in patients indicate impaired cognitive function in children with TLE compared with controls.