The Effect of Early-Life Seizures on Cognitive and Motor Development: A Case Series

Purpose: This case series documents developmental changes over time and in response to a novel intervention, Sitting Together and Reaching to Play (START-Play), in children with early-life seizures. Methods: Thirteen children with early-life seizures were included from a subset of participants in the START-Play multisite, randomized controlled trial. Seven received 3 months of twice weekly START-Play intervention; 6 continued with usual care early intervention. Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Cognitive Composite), Gross Motor Function Measure-66 Item Set, Assessment of Problem-Solving in Play, and reaching assessments were administered at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months postbaseline. Change scores are reported at 3 and 12 months postbaseline. Results: Over time, plateau or decline was noted in standardized cognition measures; motor development improved or was stable. Children receiving START-Play showed positive trends in problem-solving (71.4%) and reaching behaviors (57.2%). Conclusions: Interventions such as START-Play that combine motor and cognitive constructs may benefit children with early-life seizures.