Jennifer Koop, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Medical College of Wisconsin, will present on the role of neuropsychology in the treatment of pediatric patients with epilepsy. Her presentation is part of the fall Suter Science Seminar series at Eastern Mennonite University.
The seminar, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in Science Center Room 106, is free and open to the public.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder affecting children. It has the potential to significantly alter neurodevelopmental progress and cause various cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems. Although medication can be effective in managing seizures in many children, some require more invasive surgical interventions. Neuropsychological assessment provides information about the impact of seizures on typical cognitive developmental processes and functioning, and can also assist in determination of risks associated with different surgical interventions.
Koop will review the impact that epilepsy and various intervention strategies can have on cognitive development during childhood, and will review some of the factors that contribute to the variability of cognitive outcomes.
Koop specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological, behavioral and developmental disorders, with a particular focus on preschool and early childhood years. Her current research investigates the effects of early neurological injury on the development of neuropsychological functions, especially in the context of epilepsy.
The Suter Science Seminars are made possible by the sponsorship of the Daniel B. Suter Endowment in Biology and the co-sponsorship of supporting programs.