Detecting differential memory performance among Spanish-speaking patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

C. Marquez De La Plata, L. H. Lacritz, R. Mitschke, P. Van Ness, M. Agostini, R. Diaz-Arrastia, C. M. Cullum

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

There is relatively little research pertaining to neuropsychological assessment of Spanish-speaking individuals with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The current study examined verbal and visual memory performances in 38 primarily Spanish-speaking patients with TLE (Right = 15, Left = 23) of similar epilepsy duration to determine if lateralizing differences can be found using verbal and nonverbal memory tests. On a test specifically designed to assess auditory learning and memory among Spanish-speaking individuals, the Spanish Verbal Learning Test (SVLT), patients with left TLE performed significantly worse than patients with right TLE. In contrast, no significant differences in story or visual memory were seen using common memory tests translated into Spanish. Similar to what has been found in English speakers, these results show that verbal memory differences can be seen between left and right sided TLE patients who are Spanish-speaking to aid in providing lateralizing information; however, these differences may be best detected using tests developed for and standardized on Spanish-speaking patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)87-93
Number of pages7
JournalNeuroRehabilitation
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Memory
  • Spanish-speakers
  • Temporal lobe epilepsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detecting differential memory performance among Spanish-speaking patients with temporal lobe epilepsy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this