Sensory perception profiles in children with epilepsy: A prospective controlled study

Aim: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the functional organization of the developing brain, with consequences extending beyond recurrent seizures to cognitive and sensory processes. This study aims to elucidate the effects of epilepsy on sensory perception by comparing the sensory profiles of children with epilepsy to those of their typically developing peers. Material and Methods: In this a prospective controlled study, the sample size was determined based on an a priori power analysis, and a total of 49 children aged 5-12 years (25 with epilepsy and 24 typically developing controls), selected using convenience sampling, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the participants, and sensory perception was evaluated using the validated Turkish version of the Sensory Processing Measure-Home Form. The scale comprises the domains of social participation, vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, body awareness, balance and motion, and planning and ideas. Group differences were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods with adjustments for potential confounders.Results: No significant differences were observed between children with epilepsy and healthy controls in total sensory processing scores (p>0.05). Deficits in taste and smell perception were significantly associated with an increased body mass index (p=0.010). Sensory profiles were found to be primarily influenced by clinical sub-components, including structural brain abnormalities, antiepileptic drug use, and seizure timing. These findings indicate a heterogeneous sensory structure shaped by specific clinical and metabolic determinants. Conclusion: Sensory processing and perception in pediatric epilepsy are influenced by structural, metabolic, and clinical variables rather than the diagnosis alone. It is recommended that individualized strategies considering these parameters be adopted in clinical management.