At some time in their lives, about 6% of the population of the U.S. will have a seizure. Over half of these seizures occur in early childhood, associated with a high fever or head injury. Usually, these are single episodes that never recur and do not require mediation. Recurrence of seizures is best predicted by abnormal electroencephalograms (EEGs) obtained shortly after the seizure episodes. Persons with repeated seizures have a seizure disorder, also called epilepsy. About 50% of all children with a seizure disorder have normal intelligence; the other half have various degrees of mental retardation. Conversely, among children with developmental disabilities, the prevalence of seizure disorders is 16% in those with mental retardation, 25% in children with cerebral palsy, and 25% in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Children with learning disabilities do not have an increased risk of seizure disorders. However, children with seizure disorders do have a high incidence of learning disabilities and behavior and psychological problems. Seizures in children without other developmental disabilities are generally well controlled with aniepileptic medication, and these drugs can usually be stopped if the child has no seizures for 2 years. However, children with multiple developmental disabilities in addition to seizure disorders often have more complex seizures patterns that are more difficult to control and they may require prolonged medication. [Preceding information is from Batshaw, M. L., & Perret, Y. M. (1992). Children with disabilities: A medical primer (3rd edition, p. 489). Baltimore: Brookes]
Hereditary defects in human sodium channels--National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (1994-2006)
Alfred George, Jr., M.D., Principal Investigator
The goal of this project is to functionally characterize mutations that occur in human sodium channels in inherited epilepsy syndrome.
Epilepsy Foundation
of America
Epilepsy
Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Epilepsy/Seizure
Disorders page in Family Village Library
Epilepsy National Institute Neurological Disorders and
Stroke
Seizures - Health Library