L'importanza di un percorso di riabilitazione cognitiva nel paziente con epilessia tumorale con deficit neurocognitivi

Two major concerns for patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) are seizure control and neurocognitive disorders. To date, in literature, cognitive rehabilitation has not been included as standard clinical care of these patients. During the diagnostic-therapeutic routine care at our Center, BTRE patients undergo neuropsychological evaluation and, if needed, can be included in a rehabilitation program for cognitive functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a rehabilitation program for the recovery of impaired cognitive functions in a group of 14 patients with BTRE. In 9 patients who completed the program, a statistically significant improvement was seen in two memory tests. Our results indicate that neurocognitive evaluations should be included in routine care of these patients. Our preliminary data show that, even in this particular patient population, with a low life expectancy, a recovery program of the cognitive functions may represent an important therapeutic strategy.