OTHER DISORDERS

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 sedation 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 behaviour.

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?

Some people with Epilepsy do experience a difficulty in recalling distant and recent events. Often, this is caused by the medications used to treat Epilepsy, or by regular seizure activity. People affected in this way can learn to compensate by using lists and reminders, and by creating an organized environment. Depending on where the seizures originate in the brain, they may 1) interfere with learning of information, 2) interfere with storage of information or 3) if seizures cause cell loss or damage, impairment in retrieval. Early treatment to stop seizures is important to minimize the effects seizures have on memory loss.

Is Epilepsy related to asthma?

Asthma occurs in children with Epilepsy at about the same frequency as it occurs in the general population. Likewise, the reverse is also true. The drug theophylline can trigger seizures.

Are there any diseases that persons with Epilepsy more prone to?

People with Epilepsy who are on medications may experience side effects that makes 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.