Epilepsy in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Shanlee M Davis1, Slavica K Katusic, William J Barbaresi
1Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Pediatric Neurology
|April 20, 2010
Summary
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have epilepsy, which also appears more severe. There is a trend toward underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD in these children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicates a higher prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with epilepsy.
- However, limited studies have explored the occurrence and characteristics of epilepsy in children diagnosed with ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence and clinical features of epilepsy in children with and without ADHD.
- To investigate potential differences in seizure onset, frequency, and treatment patterns between these groups.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study utilizing medical record review of two cohorts: children with ADHD (n=358) and without ADHD (n=728) up to age 20.
- Data collected included seizure characteristics, diagnostic testing, and treatment interventions.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD showed a trend toward a higher incidence of epilepsy (2.7 times more likely than controls).
- Epilepsy in the ADHD cohort presented with earlier seizure onset (median 5.5 vs 15 years) and a tendency for more frequent seizures.
- Children with epilepsy were less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis or stimulant treatment compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between ADHD and epilepsy, with epilepsy appearing more severe in children with ADHD.
- There is an apparent underdiagnosis and undertreatment of ADHD in children with co-occurring epilepsy.
More Related Videos
09:57Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
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:
01:14Antiepileptic 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...
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,...