Systematic review of executive functions in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

•ECTS is associated with various degrees of neuropsychological impairment.•Our review aimed to clarify and synthesize the available literature regarding executive function (EF) profile of children with ECTS within a comprehensive theoretical framework and the clinical variables’ impact on these abilities.•Results confirmed the presence of a specific impairment in two abilities: inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.•The early detection of children with ECTS at risk of developing neuropsychological impairment could activate interventions and prevent worse school achievement, social functioning, and a poor quality of life.