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Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Epilepsy can affect every aspect of a person’s thinking, feeling, doing, learning and development.

According to recent research findings, 2018-2025:

“Epilepsy affects about 38–43% of children with CP, far higher than in the general pediatric population.”

                            pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

“For children with intellectual disabilities, studies estimate epilepsy prevalence at roughly 22% overall, rising with severity. In profound ID, prevalence may reach up to 50–70%”

                            Seizure, European Journal of Epilepsy

“Among autistic individuals, approximately 10% have epilepsy; however, this rate may climb to ~30% in those with co-occurring intellectual disability.”

Liu X, Sun X, Sun C, Zou M, Chen Y, Huang J, Wu L, Chen WX (2022). “Prevalence of epilepsy in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis”. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 26 (1): 33–50. doi:10.1177/13623613211045029. ISSN 1461-7005. PMID 34510916.

“Seizure disorders are far more common in many neurodevelopmental conditions than assumed. If your child has CP, ID, or ASD, or other developmental disorders or delays, regular neurological screening, including discussion of seizures, is essential. Early detection and treatment can support not just seizure control, but overall developmental progress and quality of life.”

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Bidirectional Effects

“The connection between epilepsy and NDDs [neurodevelopmental disorders] is not always a one-way street but can be a vicious cycle.” 

“Epilepsy can worsen NDDs: In epileptic encephalopathies, frequent seizures and abnormal electrical activity (even between seizures) can disrupt normal brain function and development, leading to developmental regression or plateaus.”

“NDDs can contribute to epilepsy: The underlying neurological dysfunction in some NDDs can increase a person’s risk of developing epilepsy. For example, the atypical brain function associated with some NDDs may create an environment more prone to seizures later in life.” 

Shimizu H, Morimoto Y, Yamamoto N, et al. Overlap Between Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Insights from Clinical and Genetic Studies. In: Czuczwar SJ, editor. Epilepsy [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2022 Apr 2. Chapter 4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580619/ doi: 10.36255/exon-publications-epilepsy-neurodevelopmental-disorders

“Controlling seizures, although extremely important, is only part of the equation of adequately caring for an individual with epilepsy. Equally important is enabling children with epilepsy to reach their full potential in terms of learning, socialization, communication, and enjoyment of life.” 

“The symptoms [of epilepsy] can vary widely depending on which part of the brain is affected and the type of seizure. Some seizures are dramatic and obvious, while others can be very subtle.”

The Mayo Clinic

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