Non-parametric evaluation of memory changes at group and individual level following temporal lobe resection for pharmaco-resistant partial epilepsy

Group versus individual verbal and visuospatial memory outcome following epilepsy surgery was evaluated by a non-parametric method in 25 left and 29 fight temporal lobectomy patients. Twenty-five controls were assessed twice. Analyses of change at an individual level evaluated by this statistical approach based on paired-ranks were compared to results with a method based on distances (Reliable Change). The left temporal lobectomy group deteriorated in the two verbal memory variables (p < 0.01 and 0.05). High levels of individual changes unexplained by group patterns were disclosed in the three memory variables analyzed in the patients. Significant individual change, although less pronounced, also occurred in the controls. Group versus individual outcome was adequately distinguished by the non-parametric method. To property analyze memory change after epilepsy surgery, evaluation at group and individual level ought to combined.