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Sleep disorders and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with typical absence seizures: An observational study

Marine Thieux1, Maddalena Duca2, Benjamin Putois3

  • 1Department of Paediatric Clinical Epileptology, Sleep Disorders and Functional Neurology, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Hospices Civils de Lyon and University Lyon, Lyon, France; INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Lyon, France.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|January 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with typical absence seizures (TAS) experience higher rates of sleep and attention disorders. Early identification and management of these sleep disorders can improve quality of life and academic outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Typical absence seizures (TAS) are a common epilepsy syndrome in children.
  • Sleep disorders (SD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are frequently observed in children with epilepsy.
  • The interplay between TAS, SD, and ADHD symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prevalence of SD and ADHD symptoms in children with TAS versus controls.
  • To examine the influence of epilepsy-related factors on sleep and attention in children with TAS.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 82 children (41 with TAS, 41 controls), aged 5-15.6 years, participated.
  • Parents completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and ADHD rating scales.
  • For children with TAS, the Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effects Questionnaire was used to assess medication side effects.

Main Results:

  • Children with TAS exhibited significantly higher scores for subjective sleep and attention disorders, particularly excessive diurnal sleepiness and inattention.
  • Sleep problems were under-reported by parents in the TAS group.
  • In children with TAS, inattention risk was higher in boys, those with high BMI, or those experiencing anti-seizure medication (ASM) side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Children with TAS are at increased risk for both sleep and attention disorder symptoms.
  • Sleep disorders in children with epilepsy are often underestimated and warrant focused assessment.
  • Addressing sleep disorders in children with TAS may enhance academic performance, quality of life, and seizure control.
Abstract

Keywords:
Absence seizureAttention disordersChildrenEpilepsySleep disorders

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