Priority 8 from the Epilepsy (Canada) PSP

UNCERTAINTY:What causes memory problems associated with seizures? Can these memory problems improve over time and what are the best treatment options for memory loss in people who experience seizures? (JLA PSP Priority 8)
Overall ranking	8
JLA question ID	0110/8
Explanatory note	Memory problems remain one of the most significant challenges facing people with epilepsy. Memory difficulties may be due to structural changes in the brain, side effects of anti-seizure medication, or seizures themselves. However, in most people, the source of memory problems cannot be clearly identified. Without understanding the cause, it is difficult to predict how memory problems will change over time. For people who experience memory loss, treatment options are currently limited. Research in this area can help to shed light on the most effective approaches to manage memory problems, such as medication changes or cognitive strategies to help people with epilepsy improve memory function in their daily lives.
Evidence	West, S., Nevitt, S. J., Cotton, J., Gandhi, S., Weston, J., Sudan, A., . . . Newton, R. (2019). Surgery for epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(6). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010541.pub3 Gloss, D., & Vickrey, B. (2014). Cannabinoids for epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(3). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009270.pub3 Jackson, C. F., Makin, S. M., & Baker, G. A. (2015). Neuropsychological and psychological interventions for people with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011311.pub2 See the PSP datasheet to see the full list of evidence identified
Health Research Classification System category	Neurological

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	Is there a biological relationship between memory and epilepsy (is it directly related to seizure activity or a medication related side effect)? ~ Is it the drugs, seizures or surgery that causes depression and memory problems in those with seizures due to cortical dysplasia? ~ Are memory problems correlated to all with epilepsy? What causes the memory loss? What are the best methods to counteract the memory problems to strengthen your memory?
Submitted by	People with Seizures x 56, Caregivers x 7, Friend or Family Member x 11, Health Care provider x 14, Community Agency Representative x 3, Other x 2, Unknown x 1

Extra information provided by this PSP

Original uncertainty examples

Is there a biological relationship between memory and epilepsy (is it directly related to seizure activity or a medication related side effect)? ~ Is it the drugs, seizures or surgery that causes depression and memory problems in those with seizures due to cortical dysplasia? ~ Are memory problems correlated to all with epilepsy? What causes the memory loss? What are the best methods to counteract the memory problems to strengthen your memory?

Submitted by

People with Seizures x 56, Caregivers x 7, Friend or Family Member x 11, Health Care provider x 14, Community Agency Representative x 3, Other x 2, Unknown x 1

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0110
PSP name	Epilepsy (Canada)
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	96 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	6th & 7th April 2021