Processing Speed following Epilepsy Surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Long-Term Impact of Epilepsy Surgery on Processing Speed in Children and Young People
IRAS ID
363578
Contact name
Cerian Jackson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 26 days
Research summary
Epilepsy remains the most common enduring neurological condition of childhood, affecting an estimated 1 in 200 children and young people in the UK. The impact of epilepsy on cognitive functioning is commonly reported by children; however, little is known about the long-term impact of epilepsy surgery on a specific area of cognition, processing speed, which refers to how quickly an individual “can perceive, process and respond to a stimulus”. Processing speed plays a crucial role in mediating overall cognition and has been negatively associated with poorer mental health outcomes in children and young people with epilepsy.
This study will explore the long-term impact that epilepsy surgery may have on processing speed in children and young people. Specifically, it will aim to evaluate processing speed outcomes in children with drug-resistant epilepsy at 5-year to 15-year follow-up. It will examine any changes over time in processing speed post-epilepsy surgery and review post-surgical outcomes (e.g. seizure freedom, medication use, educational attainment and vocation) at 5-years to 15-years post-surgery.
Individuals who are a minimum of 5-years and maximum of 15-years post-epilepsy surgery will be contacted via the Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Services across Liverpool (Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust) and Manchester (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust). Participants will be aged between 9-years to 21-years old. All consenting participants will complete a paper questionnaire including demographic and epilepsy related information, followed by a full cognitive assessment expected to last up to 2-hours. A full cognitive assessment will be completed to explore the impact that processing speed may have on other areas of cognition.
This study aims to understand the long-term post-surgical outcomes for children and young people who undergo epilepsy surgery. By doing this, it can help to inform decision making for families and practitioners and ensure individuals are aware of any long-term cognitive impacts.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0039
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion