Mortality in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy: A systematic review

Epilepsy is highly prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and mortality is increased in people with epilepsy generally. This review summarises research on the comparative risk of mortality in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy compared to the general population, people with intellectual disabilities without epilepsy, and people with epilepsy without intellectual disabilities.

Studies were identified via electronic searches using Medline, Cinahl and PsycINFO and cross-citations. Information extracted from studies was tabulated and reviewed narratively.

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Epilepsy was associated with increased mortality in people with intellectual disabilities in most studies, particularly in those experiencing recent seizures. Further research is needed to substantiate some of the reported findings.

Services must be equipped with the skills and information needed to manage this condition in order to minimise the risk of death in people with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy.