Epilepsy in adults with learning disabilities

Epilepsy is a common problem of adults with learning disabilities. Despite the high prevalence there have been few studies of the epilepsy suffered by adults with learning disabilities. The findings of a Leicestershire study are that multiple seizure types are a common presentation, and that for many (75%) the seizures remain refractory to treatment. Those who suffer tonic-clonic seizures are most likely to achieve remission, whereas for those with simple or complex partial seizures the prognosis is poor. For a significant proportion, status epilepticus, emergency admission to hospital and injuries occur on a regular basis.