Epilepsy or stereotypy? Diagnostic issues in learning disabilities

Approximately 0.8% of people in the general population have epilepsy. Within this group are specific sub-populations who co-present with other additional conditions, learning disability being one such example. Epilepsy rates are the highest of all in this subgroup, between 21% and 50% and positively correlated with degree of learning disability. In addition, in the more severe categories, problems frequently arise when attempting to differentiate epileptic events from other phenomenon, such as stereotyped behaviours and involuntary movements. The individual is unable to communicate changes in consciousness and perception and observers often find it difficult to detect such changes, particularly with regard to the partial epilepsies. Intensive monitoring using EEG and video equipment can often prove valuable in such a situation in assisting carers to recognize epileptic episodes and respond accordingly