Is Epilepsy related to other neurological problems?

Epilepsy is not necessarily associated with other neurological problems or learning disabilities. Occasionally, the source of the seizures may be reflected in other neurological deficits. Also, medication for seizures may cause sedations and thus decrease the rate of learning. People with Epilepsy have the same range of intelligence as the general population.

Is Epilepsy related to mental illness?

Epilepsy is not related to mental illness. Because of the involvement of the brain, Epilepsy has been mistakenly associated with psychiatric disorders. Epilepsy differs from psychiatric disorders in that seizures last for very brief periods and begin and end abruptly. Further, when not having seizures, people with Epilepsy need not have any changes in their mood or behavior.

Can Epilepsy affect intelligence?

Seizures can affect intelligence, so prompt diagnosis and rapid control of seizures is important. There is also a risk if seizures are prolonged and there is a significant reduction in oxygen in the brain during seizures. However, these are extremely rare occurrences. In the case of developmentally delayed persons with Epilepsy, it is most likely that the cause of the developmental delay is also the cause of the seizures. In most cases, people with Epilepsy have normal intelligence.

Is there a link between memory loss and Epilepsy?

There is an increased risk of Epilepsy in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Studies suggest that 44% of individuals with Autism also have Epilepsy (Gabis et al., 2005).

Diagnosis becomes difficult as some behaviors are associated with both ASD and Epilepsy, and often a diagnosis of ASD is not made for children with early-onset Epilepsy because the Epilepsy “masks” the ASD; the automatisms associated with focal dyscognitive seizures can appear the same as the repetitive, stereotyped behaviors displayed by many individuals with ASD (Tuchman & Rapin, 2002).

Are there any diseases/conditions persons with Epilepsy more prone to?

People with Epilepsy who are on medications may experience side effects that make them more susceptible to other diseases and disorders. One common condition is Hyperplaxia, an over-growth of the gums caused by the drug Dilantin. Other common problems are liver dysfunction and depression. Depression occurs in approximately 20% of people with Epilepsy, with suicide rates among people with Epilepsy are 5 times higher than that of the average.