Epilepsy Comorbidities

This article reviews the comorbidities of epilepsy and identifies tools to incorporate comorbidity awareness into clinical practice.

The comorbidities of epilepsy are broadly defined, including conditions that may cause but also be a consequence of epilepsy. These can be divided into somatic and psychiatric conditions. Many conditions occur twice as frequently in people with epilepsy compared with the general population. The comorbidities of epilepsy are a major determinant of quality of life and mortality in people with epilepsy. This article provides a concerted focus on the relationship between epilepsy and cognition, mental health disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

There are practical means of adopting a comorbidity-aware approach to clinical care without overburdening already busy clinical practices. Screening instruments can be used to identify people with comorbid anxiety or depression. Fundamental safety precautions are relevant to all people with epilepsy. Appropriate consideration of the comorbidities of epilepsy, particularly when choosing an antiseizure medication, leads to improved patient care.