The future is now: pediatric neuropsychological presurgical epilepsy evaluation in the age of COVID-19

Nancy L. Nussbaum*, Stephanie R. Young, Rosario C. DeLeon, Morgan L. Engelmann, William A. Schraegle

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. The objective of this brief report is to review an assessment paradigm for conducting virtual neuropsychological pre-surgical evaluations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A multidisciplinary epilepsy team at a Level 4 epilepsy center within a large children's academic medical center convened to discuss the challenges and possible solutions for Phase II evaluations for pediatric patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The neuropsychologists explored evidence-based methods of virtual evaluation and developed a systematic decision-making process for youth requiring a Phase II evaluation. Results. We propose models of assessment which prioritize teleneuropsychology when possible to reduce the risk of infection: (1) evaluation with directly administered tests through a completely virtual format; (2) virtual/in-person hybrid evaluation; and (3) clinical observation/interview in a virtual format supplemented by survey data. These models are illustrated by three cases. Significance. Using virtual assessment models, the team was able to meet the urgent patient care needs and collect useful data while minimizing the risk of virus spread. The paradigms presented may be useful examples for other multidisciplinary surgical teams interested in incorporating teleneuropsychology into their practices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)274-280
Number of pages7
JournalEpileptic Disorders
Volume23
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • epilepsy
  • neuropsychology
  • pre-surgical planning
  • telehealth
  • virtual assessment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology

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