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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Diffuse Cortical Dysfunction Mean?

Please can you tell me what diffuse cortical dysfunction is, my daughter is 43 and has had epilepsy for 30 yrs And takes kepra and vimpat tablets twice a day. She also has type 1 diabetes for 40 yrs has insulin 4 times dayly She recently had EEG and this is what the result was. Thank you very much. Mum.
Fri, 9 Nov 2018
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello,

I cannot see the result of the EEG since this part of the platform does not allow patients to upload or clip attachments for viewing.

But the short answer to your question on cortical dysfunction in a person on Keppra and Vimpat is that long-term studies for ANTIEPILEPTIC MEDICATIONS (AED's) have shown reductions in cognitive function over the years on the order of several point reductions in IQ performance ratings for every 7-10 years taking such medications.

These numbers are by no means hard and fast for each individual but approximations.

AED's by their very nature blunt cerebral cortical functioning in order to block seizures.

Therefore, any medication that intentionally by its mechanism suppresses cortical functioning logically (and in fact truthfully) does result in a long-term reduction in certain cognitive domains of function most easily described in global terms as a REDUCTION IN IQ points.

Some AED's can also cause bone marrow suppression and other chronic issues in other organ systems so they should be monitored once every several years by either the primary doctor or neurologist who is treating your daughter.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist
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What Does Diffuse Cortical Dysfunction Mean?

Hello, I cannot see the result of the EEG since this part of the platform does not allow patients to upload or clip attachments for viewing. But the short answer to your question on cortical dysfunction in a person on Keppra and Vimpat is that long-term studies for ANTIEPILEPTIC MEDICATIONS (AED s) have shown reductions in cognitive function over the years on the order of several point reductions in IQ performance ratings for every 7-10 years taking such medications. These numbers are by no means hard and fast for each individual but approximations. AED s by their very nature blunt cerebral cortical functioning in order to block seizures. Therefore, any medication that intentionally by its mechanism suppresses cortical functioning logically (and in fact truthfully) does result in a long-term reduction in certain cognitive domains of function most easily described in global terms as a REDUCTION IN IQ points. Some AED s can also cause bone marrow suppression and other chronic issues in other organ systems so they should be monitored once every several years by either the primary doctor or neurologist who is treating your daughter. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist