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Autism and epilepsy: cause, consequence, comorbidity, or coincidence?
Lidia Gabis1, John Pomeroy, Mary R Andriola
1Child Development Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer, Israel. gabis@post.tau.ac.il
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 26, 2005
Summary
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and more severe cognitive impairment face higher risks of epilepsy. Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities and epilepsy are more common in these children.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric neurology
Background:
- Autism is linked to childhood epilepsy, particularly in those with severe cognitive impairment.
- The exact incidence of epilepsy and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities across all pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of epilepsy and EEG abnormalities in children diagnosed with PDDs.
- To investigate the relationship between autism spectrum severity and neurological abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical history and EEG data.
- Analysis of 56 children diagnosed with PDD-not otherwise specified, autism, or Asperger syndrome.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy was diagnosed in 40% of children with autism.
- EEG abnormalities and epilepsy were significantly more prevalent in children with more severe autism spectrum impairments (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Neurological investigations like EEG are crucial for evaluating children with PDDs.
- Routine EEG consideration is recommended for more impaired individuals within the autism spectrum.