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Published on: July 31, 2017
Epilepsy in autism spectrum disorders
1Division of Child Neuropsychiatry, General University Hospital of Siena, Viale Bracci 14, 53100 Siena, Italy. r.canitano@ao-siena.toscana.it
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|August 26, 2006
Summary
Epilepsy affects 20-25% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often linked to intellectual disability. Routine investigation of this common comorbidity is clinically important.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Epilepsy is a frequent comorbidity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), affecting an estimated 20-25% of individuals.
- The co-occurrence of epilepsy and ASD presents significant clinical challenges, with varying prevalence based on age and ASD type.
- Risk factors for seizures in ASD include intellectual disability, other neurological disorders, and specific medical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant comorbidity of epilepsy in autism spectrum disorders.
- To discuss the clinical implications and risk factors associated with epilepsy in ASD.
- To emphasize the need for routine investigation and understanding of this association.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders.
- Analysis of comorbidity rates and associated risk factors.
- Discussion of current therapeutic approaches and controversies.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy affects a substantial portion of the autism population, with estimates around 20-25%.
- Autism with regression is associated with epilepsy in some cases, termed autistic epileptiform regression.
- Epileptiform abnormalities without clinical seizures are common and their role in autism is debated.
Conclusions:
- The association between epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder is clinically significant and warrants routine investigation.
- Conventional treatments are used for epilepsy in ASD, but controversies exist, especially for non-seizure epileptiform activity.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between epilepsy and autism.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:22Epilepsy ll: Types
Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
01:13Seizures: Classification
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:20Seizures l: Introduction
Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...