Focal ESES as a selective focal brain dysfunction: a challenge for clinicians, an opportunity for cognitive neuroscientists

In patients with focal ESES (Encephalopathy with Status Epilepticus during Sleep) EEG and other functional data can be particularly helpful in identifying, at an early stage, which functional area(s) might likely be affected by a SES-induced impairment of local SWA homeostasis. It is important an appropriate neuropsychological testing, individually tailored to specific deficits and interpreted in the light of the neurophysiology and functional neuroimaging data. Even in individual cases, adequate neurophysiological examination (i.e. electrical and/or magnetic source imaging to localize the “functional lesion”), combined with meticulous neuropsychological evaluation, can be an indirect way to study the cortical network subserving specific cognitive functions.