INTRODUCTION:

According to modular encapsulated activity model of the epileptic focus (EF), Temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE) and Frontal lobe epilepsies (FLE) are associated to memory, attention, language and executive function impairments. For this reason most of the neuropsychological protocols are focused in the assessment of these functions. Visuoperceptual skills only would be assessed in patients with posterior quadrant epilepsies (PQE).

OBJECTIVE:

To establish visuoperceptual impairment in a sample of electro-clinical syndromes compatibles with TLE and FLE from Medellín-Colombia, compared with a group of healthy people without epilepsy. Patients and methods: sample was constituted by 19 patients, 10 women (52,6%), aged 43,0±12,3 (CI95%:37,1-48,9), with electro-clinical syndromes compatible with TLE or FLE, median estimated IQ 107,2±14,1 (CI95%:100,3-114,0). They were compared with 16 healthy people without epilepsy, 9(56,2%) women, median age 41,8±12,7 (CI95%:35,1-48,6) and 117±17,5 (IC95%:108,6-127,2). A visuoperceptual protocol was administered to both groups.

RESULTS:

Patients presented significant lower (p<0,05) on figure-background discrimination, visuospatial line orientations, and delayed recall by recognition of dots visual memory. These impairments were significant worst in FLE patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

TLE and FLE patients have visuoperceptual and delayed visual memory store impairments, which were significant worst in FLE patients. These findings support the complex network (non-modular and non-encapsulated) model to explain EF and cognitive functioning in patient with TLE and FLE. Visuoper-ceptual processes should be always assessed in these patients.

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