[Neurodevelopmental disorders in children with epilepsy]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders are more common in children with epilepsy.
• Epileptic encephalopathies present with developmental delay and skill regression.
• A significant challenge arises when neurodevelopmental disorders coincide with epileptiform EEG activity but lack clinical seizures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review conditions where neurodevelopmental disorders and epileptiform EEG activity coexist.
• To highlight specific syndromes like electrical status epilepticus during slow-wave sleep, pseudo-Lennox syndrome, and Landau-Kleffner syndrome.
• To discuss epilepsy combined with subclinical epileptiform EEG activity and developmental dysphasia or ADHD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and clinical case analysis.
• Examination of specific epilepsy syndromes associated with neurodevelopmental impairments.
• Analysis of EEG findings in relation to clinical presentation and developmental outcomes.

Main Results:

• Several epilepsy syndromes are characterized by the association of neurodevelopmental disorders and epileptiform EEG activity.
• Conditions discussed include electrical status epilepticus during slow-wave sleep, pseudo-Lennox syndrome, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, and others.
• Subclinical epileptiform EEG activity can be associated with developmental dysphasia and ADHD.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment is crucial.
• Nootropic drugs, such as hopantenic acid, that do not exacerbate epileptiform activity are recommended.
• Integrated management addressing both epilepsy and neurodevelopmental aspects is essential for affected children.