Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbidities negatively affect outcome in children with unprovoked seizures-A non-systematic review

Children with epilepsy have at least one comorbidity in 80% of cases. This unstructured review provides insights into the most common comorbidities, their effects on seizure prognosis and treatment. We also review the epilepsy terminology and classifications. Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbidities were common in children with seizures and had a negative effect on quality of life, and seizure freedom. Children with seizures were treated with drugs used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression or psychosis, more often than the general population but less often than prevalence rates would suggested. Conclusion Multidisciplinary teams should assess comorbidities in children with epilepsy to improve their care and outcomes.

Automated summary

80% of children with epilepsy have at least one comorbidity, with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbidities being common and negatively impacting quality of life and seizure treatment. Treatment often involves drugs used for other disorders.