Study of prevalence of epilepsy and its co morbidities in children with learning disabilities (LD)
Abstract
Introduction: There is higher association of learning disability (LD) in children with epilepsy. The study was done to find out the prevalence of epilepsy in children with learning disabilities and to examine the seizure factors and side effects of antiepileptic medications that place children at a higher risk of association with Learning Disability.
Methodology: In this observational cross-sectional study, children of age group 8yr-15yr who were diagnosed as learning disabled on the basis of a comprehensive developmental, psycho-educational evaluation by the expert panel were enrolled randomly and evaluated for epilepsy. Study population of learning disabled children was divided in two groups-those with epilepsy and without epilepsy. Seizure variables like seizure control, seizure type, cause of seizure, medication status, age of onset, drugs, monotherapy v/s polytherapy were studied among these two groups.
Results: Prevalence of epilepsy in children with LD was found to be 18%. A significant association of pregnancy related complications (p=0.009,df=2), birth asphyxia (p=0.031,df=1), neonatal seizures (p=0.031,df=1) and meningitis (p=0.031,df=1) was found in children diagnosed to have LD with epilepsy. Higher occurrence of gross (p=0.002,df=1) and fine motor (p=0.031,df=1) developmental delay and significantly lower IQ was found in children with LD & epilepsy, compared to children with only LD.
Conclusion: Concurrence of epilepsy in learning disabled children puts them at higher risk for further academic problems. Epileptic seizures and various side effects of antiepileptic medications may affect the cognitive function. Referral for evaluation of LD must be advised in those epileptic children who have academic difficulties.
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References
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