Epilepsy and cerebral palsy: characteristics and trends in children born in 1976-1998

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy
10:02

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy

Published on: November 3, 2016

Elodie Sellier1, Peter Uldall, Eulalia Calado

  • 1UJF-Grenoble 1/CNRS/TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525, Grenoble, F-38041, France. esellier@chu-grenoble.fr

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|November 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) with epilepsy in children showed a quadratic trend from 1976-1998. Epilepsy in children with CP was linked to specific CP types, impairments, and neonatal factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common co-occurring condition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
  • Limited data previously existed on the prevalence rates of both CP and epilepsy in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of epilepsy in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
  • To investigate associations between epilepsy and neonatal characteristics, co-occurring impairments, and specific CP subtypes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 9,654 children with CP, registered across 17 European centers (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe network) between 1976 and 1998.
  • Examination of epilepsy prevalence in relation to neonatal factors, associated impairments, and CP classification.

Main Results:

  • Epilepsy was present in 35% of children with CP, with 72% receiving medication.
  • Higher epilepsy rates were observed in children with dyskinetic or bilateral spastic CP and additional impairments.
  • The prevalence of CP with epilepsy followed a quadratic trend (increase 1976-1983, decrease thereafter).
  • Neonatal factors associated with epilepsy included brain malformations, syndromes, term/moderate preterm birth, perinatal distress, neonatal seizures, ventilation, and NICU admission.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of epilepsy in children with CP mirrored the overall CP prevalence trend during 1976-1998.
  • The established link between epilepsy and associated impairments warrants further investigation through longitudinal studies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury09:16

Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on: June 21, 2019

Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations05:04

Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations

Published on: February 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy 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.
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: 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:
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy 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...
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures 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,...
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...