Context

Continuation of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment during pregnancy is a necessity for the majority of women with epilepsy. Adverse physical outcomes following in utero exposure to AEDs have been widely documented with the greatest risk being associated with in utero exposure to sodium valproate (VPA).1 Substantially less research has been undertaken into the effects of in utero exposure to AEDs on the developing brain and the resulting cognitive consequences for the child. Most research completed to date reports that VPA carries the largest risk to cognitive abilities, but in the majority has involved younger children.2 3 The investigation of cognitive abilities in older children is important …