Mapping neuropsychological care in pediatric epilepsy: a national survey by the Italian chapter of the international league against epilepsy (LICE)
10 affiliations
- 1Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies - EpiCARE, Pavia, Italy
- 2Reference Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Corresponding author.
- 3Department of Neuroscience and Human Genetics, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
- 4Psychology Unit, IRCCS AOU SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- 5Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI) of Verona, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies - EpiCARE, Italy
- 6Clinical Psychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- 7Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies - EpiCARE, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, 20133, Italy
- 8IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, full member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies - EpiCARE, Bologna, Italy
- 9Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children Hospital, Milan, Italy
- 10Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies – EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
Abstract
Background and purpose: Neuropsychological assessment is essential in pediatric epilepsy care, yet its implementation in clinical practice remains insufficiently characterized. This study describes neuropsychological practices across Italian pediatric epilepsy centers. Methods: A national, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 by the Italian League Against Epilepsy. The 59-item survey assessed professional profiles, clinical practices, use of technology, and training needs. Eligible participants were psychologists and neuropsychologists involved in pediatric epilepsy care. Results: Twenty-three centers completed the survey (response rate 59.0%). Assessment was systematically integrated within multidisciplinary teams across diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases. Primary referral drivers were cognitive concerns, treatment effects, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Core cognitive domains were consistently assessed, though test selection varied substantially: most centers used flexible approaches, whereas 43.5% implemented standardized protocols. Screening for intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders was widely applied, while severe intellectual disability evaluations relied primarily on qualitative methods. Tele-neuropsychology was used selectively for follow-up rather than primary evaluation. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive national mapping of pediatric epilepsy neuropsychology practices. Neuropsychological assessment is a well-established component of pediatric epilepsy care in Italy, broadly consistent with international recommendations. However, variability in organization and assessment practices highlights the need for harmonized protocols, increased resources, and specialized training. Multidisciplinary and flexible models, alongside the cautious integration of digital tools, may enhance care and improve long-term outcomes
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BibTeX
@article{zanaboni2026mapping,
title = {{Mapping neuropsychological care in pediatric epilepsy: a national survey by the Italian chapter of the international league against epilepsy (LICE)}},
author = {Martina Paola Zanaboni and Cinzia Correale and Tiziana Metitieri and Valentina Manfredi and Francesca Offredi and Alessandra Biolcati Rinaldi and Tommaso Lo Barco and Serena Mazzone and Stefania Maria Bova and Simona Cappelletti},
journal = {Epilepsy \& Behavior Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100901},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100901},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Mapping neuropsychological care in pediatric epilepsy: a national survey by the Italian chapter of the international league against epilepsy (LICE)
AU - Martina Paola Zanaboni
AU - Cinzia Correale
AU - Tiziana Metitieri
AU - Valentina Manfredi
AU - Francesca Offredi
AU - Alessandra Biolcati Rinaldi
AU - Tommaso Lo Barco
AU - Serena Mazzone
AU - Stefania Maria Bova
AU - Simona Cappelletti
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/16
JO - Epilepsy & Behavior Reports
DO - 10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100901
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebr.2026.100901
AB - Background and purpose: Neuropsychological assessment is essential in pediatric epilepsy care, yet its implementation in clinical practice remains insufficiently characterized. This study describes neuropsychological practices across Italian pediatric epilepsy centers. Methods: A national, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 by the Italian League Against Epilepsy. The 59-item survey assessed professional profiles, clinical practices, use of technology, and training needs. Eligible participants were psychologists and neuropsychologists involved in pediatric epilepsy care. Results: Twenty-three centers completed the survey (response rate 59.0%). Assessment was systematically integrated within multidisciplinary teams across diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases. Primary referral drivers were cognitive concerns, treatment effects, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Core cognitive domains were consistently assessed, though test selection varied substantially: most centers used flexible approaches, whereas 43.5% implemented standardized protocols. Screening for intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorders was widely applied, while severe intellectual disability evaluations relied primarily on qualitative methods. Tele-neuropsychology was used selectively for follow-up rather than primary evaluation. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive national mapping of pediatric epilepsy neuropsychology practices. Neuropsychological assessment is a well-established component of pediatric epilepsy care in Italy, broadly consistent with international recommendations. However, variability in organization and assessment practices highlights the need for harmonized protocols, increased resources, and specialized training. Multidisciplinary and flexible models, alongside the cautious integration of digital tools, may enhance care and improve long-term outcomes
SN - 2589-9864
ER -