Neurologist Questions Neurologist

Can having epilepsy affect your memory?

I am a 16 year old male. I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I wonder if having epilepsy can affect your memory?

6 Answers

Yes it can. It can also be tested with neuropsychology which assesses how well your brain works for various functions, like verbal memory or visuo-spatial memory. It depends a lot on how young you were at diagnosis and how well the epilepsy has been controlled through childhood. Many people have epilepsy without any memory loss.
Yes, Epilepsy can certainly affect your memory, especially if it is not well controlled.
Yes, frequent seizures can affect memory. Please consult your neurologist to get the seizures controlled and get examined.
Yes, as can some anticonvulsants. I would check with your pediatric epileptologist or neuropsychologist.
Yes, the memory can be evaluated formally with neuropsychological testing once the epilepsy is managed as best as possible with medications.
It can certainly contribute to its deterioration based upon the number and frequency of attacks as well as its control and length of time, that you have had seizures.