Syndromic classification of seizure disorders and its relevance to intellectual disability epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the application of a syndromic approach to seizure disorders in intellectual disabilities, in the light of recent advances in research and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Report on classification in 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

The ILAE Report is reviewed with an emphasis on neurodevelopmental seizure disorders, which may present to clinicians working in the field of adult intellectual disability. The advantages of applying a syndromic approach and the difficulties often encountered are also discussed.

Findings

Adopting a syndromic approach to seizure disorders in adults with intellectual disability should lead to rational prescribing, appropriate packages of care, and an improvement in the quality of research in this field.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance of identifying epilepsy syndromes in adults with intellectual disability, in the light of recent international reports on classification. It is of value to clinicians (particularly psychiatrists and learning disability nurses) practising in the field of epilepsy and intellectual disability.

Citation

Winterhalder, R. (2011), "Syndromic classification of seizure disorders and its relevance to intellectual disability epilepsy", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 5 No. 6, pp. 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281111187180