The comorbidities of epilepsy : concepts, challenges, and opportunities

The comorbidities of epilepsy include those conditions, somatic and psychiatric, that are associated with epilepsy. These associations with epilepsy may be direct and indirect, causal and spurious. The comorbidities of epilepsy are relevant in that they provide an opportunity to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of epilepsy, as well as allow us to better understand factors determinant of outcome. This PhD thesis examines the comorbidities of epilepsy, as a general construct, delving into particular examples, and finally demonstrating its impact on premature mortality in epilepsy.