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SUBJECTS
Five complex-partial epilepsy patients were referred from a private practice in neurology (Joel M. Reiter, M.D.). They were representative of the general population of the disorder insofar as their seizures were characterized by preseizure anxiety and visceral symptoms, alterations in consciousness, involuntary motor behavior, and at least partial amnesia. In addition, seizures were poorly controlled by medication, and extensive medical histories were available (see pp. 29-31). Individuals were sufficiently stable within the community to make possible an extensive follow-up.
Three subjects were female and two male, all right-handed. Ages ranged from 17 to 36 at the start of the project.
MEASURES
1.Clinical Laboratory Measures. Baseline serum levels of anticonvulsant medications and 12 channel clinical EEGs were obtained from the subjects during the four-week baseline period and again after 12 months of therapy.
2.Seizure Frequency Records. Subjects kept a daily record of seizure activity during the baseline period and continued through the first 12 months of data collection. During the next six months, subjects mailed in their charts, monthly. No contact was made during the final six-month follow-up period. At the end of two years, seizure frequency was determined by personal interviews. Seizure data were confirmed periodically by interviewing family members.
3. Neuropsychological Testing. Tests were administered to assess the effects of the therapy program on cognitive, perceptual, and emotional impairment during periods between seizures. An extensive battery of measures was administered because of the wide variation in neuropsychological deficits in this subject population. The tests employed assessed a broad range of abilities dependent on cerebral functioning (Reitan [12]). Tests were administered in the following order: Bender-Gestalt Test. Wechsler Memory Scale. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery. Rorschach Inkblot Test, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Tests were administered during the baseline month, and again after one year. One subject entered the project late and was not tested. |