22/06/2011
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND EPILEPSY
The comorbidity with organic pathology in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID) is much higher than in the general population and is known as PwID frequently present a history of epilepsy problems, the diagnosis however can be difficult and, in about 25% of the cases, are subject to error. Chapman and collaborators have recently conducted a literature review to examine the frequency, the causes and implications of a misdiagnosis and how to better this assessment. The review has looked at eight studies published between 1998 and 2008, including 6 cohort studies and 2 case reports.
From the cohort studies has emerged as a percentage between 32 and 38% of the subjects with DI were not recognized and correctly interpreted epileptic episodes.
The main reason for a misdiagnosis appears to be a misinterpretation of behavioral and physiological events, related to the syndrome or the drug therapy, or psychological on the part of parents, professional caregivers and healthcare workers.
Therefore, in the complex evaluation of PwID it is essential to consider all aspects that can influence behavior and affect the vulnerability and symptom presentation.
REFERENCES:
Chapman M, Iddon P, Atkinson K, Brodie C, Mitchell D, Parvin G, Willis S. The misdiagnosis of epilepsy in people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review. Seizure. 2011 Mar;20(2):101-6.
Micaela Piva Merli
This article has been translated and adapted to English (American) by Sara Robicheau
Micaela Piva Merli
